4-(omega-substituted alkyl)-3, 3-disubstituted-1-substituted-2-pyrrolidinones and 4-(omega-substituted alkyl)-3, 3-disubstituted-1-substituted-2-thionpyrrolidinones and production thereof



United States Patent 3,192,221 4-(OMEGA SUBSTITUTED ALKYL)-3,3-DISUBSTI- TUTED-l-SUBSTITUTED 2 PYRROLIDENONES AND 4-(OMEGA-SUBSTITUTED ALLKYL)-3,3-Dl- SUBSTITUTED 1 SUBSTITUTED-Z-THISNPYR- ROLIDINONES AND PRGDUCTION THEREOF Carl D. Lunsford, Richmond, and Albert D. Cfle, Jr., Bon Air, Va., assignors to A. H. Robins Company, Inc, Richmond, Va., a corporation of Virginia No Drawing. Filed Dec. 4, 1961, Ser. No. 156,945

. 29 Claims. (Cl. 260-295) The present application is a continuation-in-part of our prior-filed co-pending application Serial No. 88,036, filed February 9, 1961.

The present invention relates to certain heterocyclic organic compounds which maybe referred to as 4-(o1negasubstituted alkyl)-2-pyrrolidinones and 4-(omega-substituted alkyl)-2-thionpyrrolidinones and is more particularly concerned with 4-(ornega-substituted alkyl)-3,3-

- disubstituted-l-substituted-Z-pyrrolidinones and 4-(omegasubstituted alkyl)-3,3-disubstituted-l-substituted 2 thion pyrrolidinones, processes for the production thereof, intermediate products useful in the preparation thereof, and processes for the preparation of such intermediates. The invention is especially concerned with such compounds of the formula:

cyano, carboxy, carbonyl halide, carb-lower alkoxy,'

carbarnyl, lower-alkanoyl, -N- (loWer-allranoyl -amino, phthalimido, and amino; and E is oxygen or sulfur.

The compounds of the invention having the foregoing. Formula X are generally characterized by important pharmacological activity, indicative of their use in counteracting certain physiological abnormalities in an animal body. The compounds are analeptics,hypotensives, or both. Certain compounds of the series are extremely potent and long acting analeptics, stimulating respiration and antagonizing central nervous system depression and exhibiting a particularly durable antagonism against barbiturate-induced depression or poisoning at dose levels considerably below that at which untoward side effects "ice appear. The morpholino compounds are especially potent analeptics. Some other compounds of the series are preferred as hypotensives, particularly those amino compounds wherein the amino group is dialkylamino, especial y dimethylamino, piperidino, and pyrrolidino. In addition, as will be apparent and become more obvious hereinafter, some compounds, though active in themselves, are also valuable as intermediates in preparing other and still more active compounds of Formula X, e.g., the omega-haloalkyl compounds. having a reactive functional group in the side-chain are of course useful, as shown herein, as reactants in standard-type reactions characteristic of the functional group contained therein. While the degree and relative degree of their activities varies, all compounds tested exhibited analeptic activity although, as stated, because of the relative degree of analeptic vs. hypotensive activity, some are preferred as hypotensives. The amine quaternary am monium salts tested, in addition to being respiratory stimulants, evidence ganglionic blocking activity. 1

It is accordingly an object of this invention to provide novel and useful 4-(omega-substituted alkyl)-2-pyrrolidinones and -2-thionpyrrolidinones, processes for their production, intermediate products useful in their preparation, and processes for preparing such intermediates which in themselves have useful pharmacological activity. Other objects of the invention will be apparent to one skilled in the art, and still other objects will become apparent hereinafter.

In the definitions of symbols in foregoing Formula X and where they appear elsewhere throughout this specification, the terms have the following significance.

By monocarbocyclic aryl radical is meant an aryl radical of the benzene series, having six ring carbon atoms, and this term includes the unsubstituted phenyl radical and phenyl radicals substituted by any radical or radicals which are not reactive or otherwise interfering under conditions of the reaction, such as nitro, loweralkoxy, lower-alkylmercapto, lower-alkyl, halo, and the like. The substituted-phenyl radicals have preferably no more than one to three substituents such as those given above and, furthermore, these substituents can be in various available positions of the phenyl nucleus and, where more than one substituent is present, can be the same or different and can be in various position combinations relative to each other. The lower-alkyl, loweraikoxy, and lower-alkylmercapto substituents each have preferably from one to three carbon atoms which can be arranged as straight or branched chains.

Among the suitable amino radicals included within the symbol B are primary, secondary, and tertiary amino radicals, such as unsubstituted amino (NH (loweralkyl) -amino; dilower-alkyl -amino lower-alkenyl amino; di-(lower-alkenyl)-arnino; phenylarnino; (hydroXy-1ower-alkyl)-amino; di (hydroxy lower alky1)- amino; basic saturated monocyclic heterocyclic radicals of less than twelve carbon atoms, as exemplified by piperidino; (lower-alkyl)-piperidino, e.g., 2-, 3-, or 4-(loWer-alkyl)piperidino; di-(lower alkyD-piperidino, e.g., 2,4-, 2,6-, or 3,5-di-(lower-alkyl)-piperidino; (loweralkoxy)-piperidino; pyrrolidino; (lower-alkyl)-pyrrolidino; di- (loWer-alkyl) -pyrrolidino; (lower-alkoxy -pyrrolidino; morpholino; (lower-alkyl)-morpholino; di-(lower-alkyl)- Those compoundsr V J CHART I.-PREPARATION OF STARTING ACETONITRILES (IV) NaNH A-CHgCN W A-CHCN (I) (II) NaNH R! raw-F -01 RI! R! CN B. A o l:R (m) RI] N it, (IV) The alpha-(l-substituted-3-pyrrolidyl)-alpha, alphadisubstituted- (e.g., dimethyl or diphenyl) acetonitriles (IV) are generally prepared by alkylating the alkali metal, e.g., sodium, salt of the appropriate alpha, alpha-disubstituted-acetonitrile (H), e.g., dimethylacetonitrile or diphenylacetonitrile, with the appropriate l-substituted-S- halo (e.g., chloro)-pyrrolidine in a suitable solvent such as dry toluene. The sodium salt of the alpha, alpha-disubstituted-acetonitrile (II) is formed by reaction of the nitrile with sodium amide in the dry solvent, e.g., toluene. The condensation with the 3-chloro-pyrrolidine (III) is usually carried out with the application of heat, e.g., in refluxing benzene, toluene, or like solvent, for an extended period, e.g., approximately three hours. The solvent, e.g., toluene, solution is then washed with water and the product extracted, as with one normal hydrochloric acid. This acid extract may then be basified with sodium hydroxide, extracted with a Water-insoluble solvent such as ether or chloroform, the solution washed and dried, as over sodium sulfate, concentrated, and the residue distilled in vacuo. In most cases, the product crystallizes on standing and may be recrystallized from an appropriate solvent or solvents. The following preparation illustrates this method in which, if desired, the radical R may alternatively by introduced into the acetonitrile molecule after the pyrrolidyl radical, rather than before the pyrrolidyl radical, which sequence Was indicated in the foregoing.

The following preparations and examples are given by way of illustration only and are in no event to be construed as limiting. The temperatures given are in a degrees centigrade, unless indicated to the contrary.

PREPARATION 1 a (1-is0bztyl-3-pyrr0lidyl)-a,a-diphenylacet0nitriZe.- A suspension of the sodium salt of diphenylacetonitr'ile was formed by the dropwise addition at 50 of 193 g. (1.0 mole) of diphenylacetonitrile to a stirred suspension of 43 g. (1.1 moles) of sodium amide in one liter of dry toluene. After addition was complete, the mixture was refluxed for four hours and then, to the refluxing mixture, 162 g. (1.0 mole) of l-isobutyl-3-chloropyrrolidine was added at a rapid dropwise ratewith continuous stirring. After addition was complete, stirring and refluxing were continued for three hours. The mixture was then cooled and extracted with one normal hydrochloric acid. The aqueous layer together with an oil layer were separated, made basic with dilute sodium hydroxide, and extracted with ether. The ethereal solution was dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated and the residue was distilled in vacuo. Yield 250 g. (78%); BR l90200/0.15 mm. The material crystallized from a 4:1 ethanol-water mixture. Ml. 7677.

Analysis.-Calcd for C H N C, 82.97; H, 8.23; N, 8.80. Found: C, 83.21; H, 8.12; N, 8.62.

In the same manner, starting from the appropriate 1- substituted-3-chloropyrrolidine (III) and the selected alpha, alpha-disubstituted-acetonitrile (II), in turn produced by reaction of the selected alpha-substituted-acetonitrile (I) and the chloride or bromide of the other substituent R desired to be introduced into the alpha position, or by introducing the pyrrolidyl substituent (III) before the second alpha substituent, various other alpha-(l-substituted 3-pyrrolidyl)-alpha, alpha-disubstituted-acetonitriles are prepared. Other compounds within the scope of Formula IV which are prepared according to the manner of foregoing Preparation 1 are as follows:

u-( 1-isopropyl-3-pyrrolidyl) -a-allyl-a-phenylacetonitrile,

u-( 1-phenyl-3-pyrrolidyl) -u,a-dimethyl'acetonitrile,

u-( l-isopropyl-3 pyrrolidyl) -e-benzyl-a-phenylacetonitrile,

oz,ot-blS-( l-isopropyl-3 -pyrrolidyl) -c-phenylacetonitrile,

a-( l-isopropyl-3-pyrrolidyl) -u- (2- or S-thienyl) -a-phenylacetonitrile,

a- 1-isopropyl-3-pyrrolidyl)-u-(2- or 3 -thenyl) -u-phenylacetonitrile,

u-( l-isopropyl-3 -pyrrolidyl) -oc- (pmethoxyphenyl) -11- phenylacetonitrile,

Ot-( 1-isopropy1-3-pyrrolidyl -oc- (m-chlorophenyl) aphenylacetonitrile,

a-( l-isopr-opyl-3 pyrrolidyl) -ot-(o-methy1phenyl) -aphenylacetonitrile,

a-( l-isopropyl-3pyrrolidyl) -a-methyl-a-cyclopentyl acetonitrile,

oc-( 1-isopropyl-5-methyl-3-pyrrolidyl -ot,a-diphenylacetonitrile,

oz-( l-isopropyl-4-methyl-3-pyrrolidyl) -ot,a-diphenylacetonitrile,

a-( l-isopropyl-3 rnethyl-3-pyrrolidyl -a,a-diphenylacetonitrile,

a-( l-isopropyl-2-methyl-3-pyrrolidyl) -cz,oz-diphenyl acetonitrile,

oz( lamethyl-3-pyrrolidyl -a-phenyl-u- (2-piperidyl) acetonitrile, and

a( 1-isopropyl-3-pyrrolidyl) a-phenyl-ec- [4- (N-methylpiperidyl) J-acetonitrile,

respectively prepared as indicated in the foregoing by the reaction of a-Allyl-u-phenylacetonitrile with 3-chloro-1-isopropylpyrrolidine;

a,a-Dicyclohexylacetonitrile with 3-chloro-1-allylpyrr-olidine;

a,a-Dimethylacetonitrile with 3-chloro-1-phenylpyrrolidine;

a-Benzyl-a-phenylacetonitrile with 3-chloro-1-isopropylpyrrolidine;

ot-Phenylacetonitrile With 3-chloro-l-isopropylpyrrolidine;

a-( 2- or S-thienyl)-a-phenylacetonitrile with 3-chloro-lisopropylpyrrolidine;

OL-(Z- or B-thenyl)-a-phenylacetonitrile with 3-chloro-lisopropylpyrrolidine;

w(p-Methoxyphenyl)-a-phenylacetonitrile with 3-chlorol-isopropylpyrrolidine;

a-(m-Chlorophenyl)-a-phenylacetonitrile with 3chloro-lisopropylpyrrolidine;

u-(o-Methylphenyl) -phenylacetonitrile with 3-chloro-lisopropylpyrrolidine;

a-Methyl-a-cyclopentylacetonitrile with 3-chloro-1- isopropylpyrrolidine;

a,a-Diphenylacetonitrile with 3-chloro-l-isopropyl-5- methylpyrrolidine;

m,a-Diphenylacetonitrile with 3-chloro-l-isopropy1-4- methylpyrrolidine;

a,e-Diphenylacetonitrile with 3-chloro-1-isopropyl-3- methylpyrrolidine;

a,wDiphenylacetonitrile with 3-chloro-l-isopropyl-2- methylpyrrolidine;

7 a-PhenyI-a-(Z-pyridyI)-a.cetnitri1e with 3-ch1or0-1rmethylpyrrolidine and subsequent catalytic reduction of the pyridine nucleus; and u-Phenyl-a- [4-(N-methy1piperidyl) -ax:etonitri1e with 3- chloro-l-isopropylpyrrolidine.

The physical constants of some representative 'a-(1-substituted-S-pyrrolidyl)-a,or-disubstituted-acetonitriles within the scope of Formula IV are shown in Table I.

In this Table I, the compounds characterized, in the order of the table, were prepared from the following reactants:

(1) Diphenylacetonitrile and 3-ch1oro-1-methy1 pyrrolidine (2) Diphenylacetonitrile and 3-ch1oro-1-ethy1 pyrrolidine (3) Diphenylacetonitrile and 3-cl1loro-1-isopropyl pyrrol- Mine (4-) Diphenylacetonitrile and S-chloro-l-isobutyl pyrrolidine (5) Diphenylacetonitrile and 3- chloro-1-cyclohexy1 pyrrolidine (6) Diphenylacetonitrile and 3-chloro-1-benzy1 pyrroliw dine (7) oz-(2-pyridyl)-a-phenylacetonitrile and 3-chl0r0-benzyl pyrrolidine (8) u-(2-pyridy1)-a-pheny1acetonitrile and 3-cl1lor0-1-isobutyl pyrrolidine I 1 1 cc- (2-pyridy1) -a-phenylacetonitrile 8. (9) a-(2-pyridy1)-u-pheny1acetonitri1e and 3-ch1oro-1-cyclohexyl pyrrolidine 10) ca- 2-pyridy1) -upheny1acetonitri1e n-butyl pyrrolidine and B-chloro-land 3-chloro-1- and 3-chloro-1- (19) wMethyl-m-phenylacetonitrile and 3-ch1oro-1-isopropyl pyrrolidine (20) vo:-Cyclopentyl-m-pheny1acetonitrile and 3-c111oro-1- isopropyl pyrrolidine (21) a-Cyclohexyl-oc-phenylacetonitrile and 3-chlo1'o-1- isopropyi pyrrolidine Table I REPRESENTATIVE a-(1-SUBSTITUTED-3-PYRROLID YL)-a,a-DISUBSTITUTED- AOETONITRILES 1 Analysis A R R B. P./mm. (M31), C. O H N Calcd. Calcd. Gated. Found Found Found cm. CH1 01H (81-82) 82. 57 7. 29 10. 14 82. 82 7. 9. 72 C Hg C1115 08H: 82. 72 7. 64 9. 82. 83 7. 78 9. 47 Carr. 1.0m. Cm. (73-74) 82. 85 7. 9. 20 82. 88 7. 89 9. 05 CAHK 1-011? CHER (76-77) 82. 97 8. 23 8. 80 83. 21 8. 12 8. 62 0 H; cy-C H C5115 195-200/0.005 83. 67 8. 19 8. 13 83. 23 8. 33 7. 78 0.111 0 11 012. 0711 1 215-218/0. 01 85. 19 6. S6 7. 95 84. 93 6. 93 7. 75 C H5OH; 2-CtH41 T 200210/0.08 81. 55 6. 56 (pyrrldyl) 81. 69 6. 77 i-Ofll do 16116n/0.07 78. 96 7. 89

79. 00 7. 68 ray-6 H c1o 200-208/0.05 79.96 7. 88 80. 15 8. 06 1 11-04119 d0 170-l75/0.08 78. 96 7. 89

78. 87 8. 06 i-O3H (107-109) 78. 65 7. 59 78. 88 7. 81 0,11 (110-119) 78. 31 7. 26

78. 53 7. 20 CH3 14815l/0.07 77. 94 6. 91 78. 21 7. 05 11-01130 CaH4 CH3 173/0.08 74. 24 6. 89 74. 27 6. 91 P-CHaQ CUHL C111 do 200202/0.08 74. 73 7. 22 74. 69 7. 14 p-CHzO CflH-j /0115 75.19 7. 51 75. 05 7. 39 O Hs 121-130/0.150.20 79. 64. 9. 44 79. 86 9. 65 C 11 121-125/01102 79. 95 9. 69 80. 11 9. 61 0 1 5 u C ri 147l49/0.005 81. 03 9. 52 9. 45 53 9. 28 9. 58 CgHg 169175/0.001 1- 81. 24 9. 74 9. 02 81. 27 9. 71 8. 94

1 See foregoing discussion for starting materials; R equals H. 2 Compound made but not characterized.

, 9 The preparation of the 4 (omega-haloalky1)r3,3-disubstituted-1-substituted-2-pyrrolidinones and other 4-(omeget-substituted alkyl)-3,3disubstituted-1-substituted-2-pyrrolidinones of the invention, respectively designated IX and X, is indicated by the following diagram:

CHART 2.--PREPARATION OF 4-(OMEGA-SUBSTI- TUTED ALKYL) 3,3-DISUBSTITUTED-1-SUBSTI- TUTED-Z-PYRROLIDINONES COOH hydrolysis (IV A-(? R partial hydrolysis 7 L (VII) Ar'fiixed anhydridg C II IL (X= halogen) In this reaction sequence, the acid (VI) is reacted with an acid anhydride capable of forming a mixed anhydride therewith, and the mixed anhydride rearranged to the desired end product. The theory of the mechanism of the rearrangement reaction involved in going either from the acid (VI) directly to (X), in which Q is different than X, or in going from (VI) to (IX), has been further elucidated. It has been found that the reaction is not limited to introduction of the omega-halogen atom X during the rearrangement of (VII) to a 2-pyrrolidinone but, alternatively, that a different negative ion or radical Q, entering from outside the reaction or released from within, may be introduced into the omega position during acid anhydride plus halogen ion X (e.g.,thionyl halide or phosphorustri halide) acid anhydride plus anion (Q is different than X) anion in the reaction and emerges as the omega alkyl substituent Q in the product, as in (IX) or (X). However, when an excess of Q is a component of the reaction mixture at equilibrium intermediate form (VIII), this ion Q replaces Y in the final product, appearing as the omega-alkyl Q substituent.

Examples are included herein of representative Y- anions in the absence of Q- anions, e.g., halo, such as 01- or Br, lower-aliphatic acyloxy, e.g., acetyloxy, and where Y and Q are dilferent anions, for example, different halogens, different lower-aliphatic acyloxy groups, one a halogen and the other an acyloxy group, and the like. It is in this manner possible to directly the rearrangement reaction. The apparent course of the 75 introduce iodine, for example, as the omega-alkyl sub- II stituent by introduction of sodium-iodide into the rearrangement reaction of the mixed anhydride (VII A), where Y is acetyloxy, thus producing a compound of Formula IX in which Q is idine..

That the mechanism is one which occurs at the equilibrium stage [compound (VIII)] is clearly indicated, for example, by the fact that NaI is not effective under the conditions of reaction to replace an established omega-acetyloxy radical. Where the anion is introduced from outside the reaction, the reaction is facilitated by use of a suitable solvent for the anion, such as methyl ethyl ketone when an alkali metal iodide is employed.

(IV) by hydrolysis, or it may be prepared by hydrolysis of the intermediate amide (V) which in turn may be prepared from the acetonitrile (IV) by a partial hydrolysis. The 4-haloalkyl compound (IX) is convertible to numerous other omega-substituted alkyl products (X), including those of increased side-chain length, as more fully disclosed hereinafter.

The 1,3,3,4-tetra-substituted-Z-pyrrolidinones of the present invention are in general prepared by the reactions outlined in Chart 2 of thisspecificaticn. Presented in the following are general descriptions and specific examples which more fully illustrate the experimental details.

CHART 3.OUTLINE OF REARRANGEMENT REACTION COURSE i RP" VI acid A==- (fa tf -CHR 0=|2 HC-R H.-R"

Ilv (VII A) L R RI! A--( :--f fl -1 B HV I Y t it R" A-(i-- H-R (VIII) v Hcygn p3 I! I R i v 4 A-- c-wm -cm -q PIC-R" In compound:

(IX) Q=halogen (X) Q=other than halogen Y"=ani0n Q-==anion, same as or different than Y. The 4-haloalkyl compounds '(IX) are generally prepared by the rearrangement of the acid (VI) via the mixed anhydride, in this case the acid halide (VII). The

mately -80%, preferably aqueous sulfuric acid,

or concentrated (e.g., near 35%) hydrochloric acid. Usually this hydrolysis is readily efiected by heating at a. relatively high temperature, e.g. -140, preferably acid (VI) may be prepared directly from the acetonitrile 75 -440, degrees Centigrade for an extended period, e.g.,

from fiveto 48 hours. Lower temperatures increase the required reaction period, higher temperatures may shorten it somewhat but are not recommended since decarboxylation may occur from excessive reaction temperatures or periods and the incidence of undesired side-reactions, e.g., sulfonation, is thereby also increased. Upon completion of the hydrolysis, the solution of the acid (VI) may be cooled, as by pouring onto ice, and basified with an alkali, e.g., sodium or potassium hydroxide, ammonium hydroxide, or the like, and extracted with an appropriate organic solvent. Halogenated organic solvents such as chloroform, ethylene dichloride, and the like are preferred. The resulting solution of the basic salt is then acidified, as with an anhydrous mineral acid, preferably by passing anhydrous hydrogen chloride gas into the solution, the solution of the resulting acid salt dried with a conventional drying agent such as sodium sulfate, magnesium sulfate, calcium chloride, or the like, and finally concentrated, to leave the crude salt of the acid (VI), which may, if desired, be recrystallized from conventional solvents, or isolated after neutralization as the free amino acid. Alternatively, the residual acid salt may be converted without isolation to the corresponding mixed anhydride, i.e., the acyl halide, and then rearranged to the 4-(omega-haloalkyl)-2-pyrrolidinone. In such case, the residual acid salt is usually heated, preferably under reflux, with an acid anhydride capable of forming a mixed anhydride therewith, together with a halogen ion (which halogen ion may either be added to the reaction or generated in situ), for example, with thionyl chloride, phosphorus trichloride, corresponding bromides such as phosphorus tribromide and thionylbromide, acetic anhydride plus sodium iodide, or the like, until complete disappearance of the characteristic acyl halide carbonyl frequency from the infrared spectrum, usually for a period of two to threehours, during which reaction the acid (VI) first converts to the acid halide (VII) or other mixed anhydride (such asVIIA where Y equals acyloxy), and then rearranges to the 4-halo-alkyl-Z-pyrrolidinone (IX). Halides of strong acids are preferred, and temperatures up to about 100 degrees are usually employed.

The acyl halides (V11) or other mixed anhydrides (VII A) are unstable even at room temperature and rearrange readily upon heating. It is therefore most convenient to continue heating of the reaction product containing the same, in the presence of the selected halide ion, without making any attempt at isolation, until establishment of the characteristic pyrrolidinone carbonyl frequency, indicative of completion of the preparation of the desired 4-haloalkyl-Z-pyrrolidinone via the rearrangement mechanism.

When the acid anhydride is used as solvent as well as a reactant, a considerable excess may be and frequently is employed, although when the anhydride is acetic or other lower-aliphatic, preferably lower-alkanoic, acid anhydride, as in cases when .a halogen anion is extraneously introduced into the reaction mixture, a polar Example 1.4-(B-chl0r0ethyl)-3,3-diphenyl' isobutyl-Z-pyrrolidinone A solution of 100 grams (0.314 mole) of ca -diphenyla-(l-isobutyl-3-pyrrolidy1)-acetonitrile in 500 grams of 70% sulfuric acid was heated at 130140 for 48 hours, poured onto ice, made basic with sodium hydroxide, and

extracted with chloroform. The chloroform solution was acidified with hydrogen chloride gas, dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated. The residue was refluxed in 500 milliliters of thionyl chloride-for three hours; the resulting solution was concentrated in vacuo; and the residue was crystallized from isopropyl ether. Yield 69 grams (62%); M.P. 113-l13.5.

1 benzyl 4 3 chloroethyl 3,3 diphenyl 2- pyrrolidinone, 4 3 chloroethyl) 3,3 diphenyl 1- methyl 2 pyrrolidinone, 4 (fl chloroethyl) lcyclohexyl 3,3 diphenyl 2 pyrrolidinone, 4 8- chloroethyl) 3,3 diphenyl 1 ethyl 2 pyrrolidinone, 4 (B chloroethyl) 3,3 diphenyl 1 isopropyl 2- pyrrolidinone, and 4 (2 chloroethyl) 1 isopropyl- 3-methyl-3-phenyl-2-pyrrolidinone are respectively prepared in the manner of this example from a-(l-benzyl-S- pyrrolidyl) 01,0: diphenylacetonitrile, a (1 methyl- 3 pyrrolidyl) 06,04 diphenylacetonitrile, a (1 cyclohexyl 3 pyrrolidyl) a, diphenylacetonitrile, a (1- ethyl 3 pyrrolidyl) or, diphenylacetonitrile, a (1- isopropyl 3 pyrrolidyl) aux diphenylacetonitrile, and a (l isopropyl 3 pyrrolidyl) o: methyl ozphenylacetonitrile. I

The 4-bromoalky1 compounds were prepared in the same manner as the 4-chloroalkyl compounds with the exception that thionyl bromide or phosphorus tribromide was used as the halogenating agent. The following illus trates the preparation of the 4-bromoalkyl compounds.

Example 2. 0c (1 ethyl 3 pyrrolz'dyl) 05,0; diphenylacetic acid and 4-(B-bromethyl)-3,3-diphenyl- I-ethy l-2-pyrrolidinone' A solution of 365 g. (1.26 mole) of a-(l-ethyl-Z-pyrrolidyl)-a,oc-diphenylacetonitrile in 1500 g. of 70% sulfuric acid was heated at 130 for 48 hours. The acid solution was poured onto ice and made basic with sodium hydroxide. The resulting mixture was extracted with chloroform and the chloroform layer together with an oil layer which formed were acidified with dry hydrogen chloride. A small amount of water was separated and the resulting chloroform solution was dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and concentrated leaving crude a (1 ethyl 3 pyrrolidyl) 00,00 diphenylacetic acid hydrochloride.

Portions of this crude acid were treated as follows:

PROCEDURE A A solution of 31.5 g. of the crude oc-(l-EthYl-B-PYI- rolidyl)-a,a-diphenylacetic acid hydrochloride and 42.8 g. (0.2 mole) of thionyl bromide in seventy ml. of chloroform was refluxed for seven hours. An infrared spectrum indicated formation of the acyl bromide but no rearrangement to the pyrrolidinone. The solution was concentrated, redissolved in 100 ml. of chloroform and treated with fifty ml. of morpholine in a dropwise manner, with stirring. The resulting solution was extracted with dilute hydrochloric acid, concentrated, and the residue dissolved in 200 ml. of boiling methanol. The solution was decolorized with Norite activated charcoal and filtered and 25 ml. of Water added. On cooling, the product precipitated and was recrystallized from a methanol-water mixture. Yield 4.0 g.; M.P. 129-130.

Example 3 .4-( ,B-bromoethyl )3,3-diplzenyl-1 ethyl-Z-pyrrolidinone PROCEDURE B A solution of 31.5 g. of the crude a-(I-ethyLS-pyrrolidyl)-a,u-diphenylacetic acid hydrochloride and twenty ml. of phosphorus tribromide in seventy ml. of chloroform was refluxed for thirteen hours and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was crystallized from 90% methanol. M.P. 129-130.

A mixture of the two samples, respectively prepared by Procedures A and B, also melted at 129-130".

15 Example 4 .-3,3-diphenyl-4-(Z-iodoethyl )'-1 isopropyl-Z-pyrrolidinne alcohol. Chilling produced a white solid which was collected and recrystallized from 95% alcohol. Yield, 2.15 g. (70%); M.P. 143-146. with that prepared according to Example 5 showed no depression of melting point.

Example 5 .-3,3-diphenyl-4- (2-iod0ethyl) isopropyl-2-pyrrolidinone A mixture of :25.0 g. (0.073 mole) of 4-(2-chloroethyl)-3,3-diphenyl-1-isopropy1-2-pyrrolidinone and 12.5 g. (0.083 mole) of sodium iodide in 200 ml. of acetone was stirred and refluxed for eighteen hours. About threefourths of the acetone was distilled ofi and 400 ml. of water'was added slowly to the cooled mixture. The solid which 'formed was separated and recrystallized from 400 ml. of 95% alcohol. Yield, 24.9 g. (79%); M.P.'144- Analysis.Calcd for C H INO; N, 3.23. Found: N, 3.28. 1

Additional illustrative examples of the general method and procedure for preparation of the acid (VI) and use thereof (with isolation) in preparation of the corresponding mixed anhydride, i.e., the acyl halide, (VII) and rearrangement of the acyl halide to the 4-omega-haloalkyl-2-pyrrolidinone (IX) are as follows (see also Example 13).

acetic acid A mixture, of 36 g. (0.12 mole) of a',a-diphenyl-a- (1-isopropyl-3-pyrro1idyl)-acetonitrile in 120 g..of 70% sulfuric acid was heated at 128-134 for 64 hours. The hot solution was poured onto 100 g. of ice and this mixture was made strongly basic with 50% sodium hydroxide. The water was removed at reduced pressure and the residue wasextracted with two 250 mLportions of boiling absolute alcohol. The alcoholic extracts were dried at reduced pressure and the combined residue dissolved in 400 ml. of water and glacial acetic acid added until no more precipitate formed. The precipitated solid was collected and dried. Yield, 34.1 g. (88%). The material was recrystallized from dimethylformamide. M.P. 248250 (dec.).

Analysis.Calcd for C H NO C, 77.98; H, 7.79; N, 4.33. Found: C, 77.79; H, 7.99; N, 4.13.

A mixture of this material Example 7. a-(1-ethyl-3-pyrrolidyl)-u,ot-diphenylacetic acid and 4-(,G-chloroethyl)-1-elhyl-3,3-diphenyl-2-pyr- 1 rolidinone ot-(l-ethyl 3-pyrrolidyl)-e,m-diphenylacetic acid was prepared by the hydrolysis of a-(1-ethyl-3-pyrrolidyl)- a,a-diphenylacetonitrile in 70% sulfuric acid at 130-140 for 48 hours. The free acid was isolated and crystallized from an ethanol-benzene mixture. M.P. l36-139 (dew thionyl chloride was added and the mixture was refluxed for two hours and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was crystallized from isopropyl ether. Yield 2 g.; M.P. 118-120.

Analysis.-Calcd for C H CINO: C, 73.27; H, 6.76; N, 4.27; CI, 10.82. Found: C, 73.50; H, 6.82; N, 4.38; Cl, 10.68.

In the manner of the preceding examples, but starting with the appropriate acetonitrile (IV) shown in Preparation 1 or in TableLor the corresponding acid (VI) or intermediate amide (V) hydrolysis product, the following 4-omega-haloalkyl-Z-pyrrolidinones are prepared, the halo substituent varying with the acid halide employed or the halogen ion extraneously introduced into the reaction:

4- ,B-chloro ethyl) -3 -allyl-3-pheny1- l-isopropyl-Z- pyrrolidinone 4- fl-chloroethyl -3 ,3-dicyclohexy1-1-allyl-2- pyrrolidinone 4- fl-chlorocthyl) -3 ,3 -dimethyl- 1 -pheny1-2-pyrro1idinone 4 (fl-chloroethyl) -3-b enzy1-3-phenyll-isopropyl-Z- pyrrolidinone 4- ,B-chloro ethyl) -3-phenyl-3-( 1-isopropyl-3 -pyrrolidyl) 1-isopropyl-2-pyrrolidinone 4- B-chloroethyl -3-phenyl3- (2- or 3 -thienyl)1-isopropyl-2-pyrrolidinone 4- (fi-chloroethyl ),-3-phenyl-3- (2-' or 3-thenyl) -1- isopropyl-Z-pyrrolidinone 4- e-chloroethyl -3-phenyl-3- (p-methoxwhenyl -1- isopropyl-Z-pyrrolidinonc 4- (fi-chloroethyl) -3-phenyl-3- (m-chlorophenyl) -1- isopropyl-Z-pyrrolidinone 4- (B-chloroethyl)-3-phenyl-3-(o-methylphenyl')-1- isopropyl-Z-pyrrolidinone 4- (,B-chloroethyl -3-methyl-3 -cyclopentyll-iso pro pyl- 2-pyrrolidinone 4- (,fl-chloropropyl -3,3-dipheny=l-l-isopropyl-Z- pyrrolidinone 4- (fi-bromopropyl -3 ,3 -diphenyl-1-isopropyl-2- pyrrolidinone 4- fi-chloro ethyl) -4-methyl-3 ,3-diphenyl-1-isopropyl-2- pyrrolidinone 4-(fi-ch1oroethyl) -5-methyl-3 ,3-diphenyl-1-isopropyl- Z-pyrrolidinone 4- gamma-chloropropyl) -3 -phenyl-3- (2-piperidy1) 1- methyl-2-pyrrolidinone 4- (gamma-ch10 ropropyl) -3 -pheny1-3- [4'- (N-methylpiperidyl) 1-1-isopropyl-2-pyrrolidinone 4- (B-chloroethyl) -3 ,3 diphenyll-methyl-Z-pyrrolidinone 4- B-chloroethyl) -3 ,3 -dipheny1- 1ethyl-2-pyrrolidinone 4- (y-chloro-Z-propyl) -3 ,3-diphenyl-1-isopropyl-2- pyrrolidinone 4- 18- chloro ethyl -3 ,3 -diphenyl-1-isobutyl-2-pyrrolidinone 4- B- chloroethyl) -3 ,3-diphenyl-1-cyclohexyl2-' pyrrolidinone 4- (fi-chloroethyl) -3 3-diphenyl-1-benzyl-2-pyrrolidinone 4- (fl-chloroethyl) -3-phenyl-3 (Z-pyridyl) l-b enzyl-Z- pyrrolidinone 4- (fi-chloroethyl -3-phenyl-3- (Z-pyridyl) -1-isobutyle 2-pyrrolidin'one 4- B-chloroethyl) -3 -phenyl-3- (2-pyridyl)- l-cyclohexyl- 2-pyrrolidinone 4- fl-chloro ethyl) -3 -phenyl-3 (2pyridyl) -1-n-butyl- 2-pyrrolidinone 4- 8- chloroethyl) -3-phenyl3- (2-pyridyl) l-isopropyl- 2-pyrrolidinone 4- (fi-chloroethyl)-3-phenyl-3- (2-pyridyl)-l-ethy1- Z-pyrrolidinone 4- 8' chloro ethyl) -3-phenyl-3-(2-pyridyl)-1-methyl-2- pyrrolidinone 4- (B-chloroethyl -3 p-methoxyphenyl) -3 -(2-pyridyl)-1- methyl-Z-pyrrolidinone v 4- fi-chloroethyl) -3- (p-methoxyphenyl -3- (Z-pyridyl) l-ethyl-Z-pyrrolidinone 4-(B-chloroethyl) -3-(p-methoxyphenyl)-3- (2-pyridy1J-1- isopropyl-Z-pyrrolidinone 4- (B-chloroethyl -3 -isopropyl-3-phenyll-ethyl-2- pyrrolidinone I 4- A- chloro-2'-butyl) -3 ,3-cliphenyll-isopropyl-Z-pyrrolidinone 4-(7-chlorobutyl)-3,3-diphenyl-l-isopropyl-2- pyrrolidinone 4-('y-chloro-B-methylpropyl)-3,3-diphenyl-l-isopropyl- Z-pyrrolidinone,

the last three compounds being produced by reacting the corresponding hydroxy compounds with the selected thionyl halide according to Example 29, as are the sixteenth and seventeenth compounds in the foregoing list.

While most of the foregoing products represent the omega-haloalkyl compounds (IX) produced using thiony-l chloride or phosphorous trichloride, the corresponding 4- omega-bromo compounds are produced when employing thionyl bromide or phosphorus tribromide, and corresponding iodides are produced when employing sodium iodide in an acetic anhydride medium.

In some cases, the nitrile (IV) hydrolysis, as abovedescribed, stops short of the acetic acid (VI) stage and rather produces, at least to a major extent, the corresponding oc- 1-substituted-3-pyrrolidyl) -u,ot-disubstitutedacetamide (V). In other cases, production of the acetamide (V) may be effected by use of more concentrated solutions of acid, e.g., 80-100%,' and sometimes even as low as 70%, or a lower temperature, thereby to effect only partial hydrolysis of the starting acetonitrile (IV) to the acetamide (V) rather than to the acid (VI). In such 7 cases, the desired acid may be obtained from the amide by treating a lower aliphatic acid, e.g., acetic acid, solution of the acetamide (V) with a strong anhydrous mineral acid, preferably hydrochloric acid, together with a suitable source of nitrous acid such as an alkyl nitrite, e.g., n-butyl nitrite or iso-amyl nitrite. The alkyl nitrite is preferably introduced slowly into the solution of the acetamide with stirring, whereafter the solution is allowed to continue to react for an extended period of up to about 24 hours. Preferably, the solution is allowed to stand at temperatures up to about room temperature for a period of up to about twenty hours, and thereafter at higher temperatures, e.g., up to about 100 degrees centigrade, for a short period to complete hydrolysis to the acid. The resulting acid (VI) may then be isolated in the usual manner, as indicated in the foregoing, or by adding aqueous alkali, e.g., ten percent NaOH, to the hydrolysis reaction mixture to cause neutralization thereof, and thereafter precipitating the solid acid as by acidification of the neutralized solution with a weak acid, such as acetic acid or the like. The acid (VT) may, however, be converted with or Without isolation, as indicated previously, to the corresponding acyl halide or other mixed anhydride, which in turn is rearranged (respectively without or with extraneous halogen ion) to the corresponding 4- haloalkyl-Z-pyrrolidinone. The preparation of the 4-haloalkyl-Z-pyrrolidinone directly from the acetamide (V) without isolation of the intermediate acid (V1) is illustrated by the following representative example:

Example 8 .4- B-ch loroethyl -3-cyclopentyl-1 -is0pr0pyl- 3-phenyl-2-pyrr0lidinone A solution of 73 g. (0.232 mole) of a-( 1-isopropyl-3- pyrrolidyl)-a-cyclopentyl-a-phenylacetamide in 200 ml. of glacial acetic acid was saturated with anhydrous hydrogen chloride and 47.9 g. (0.464 mole) of n-butyl nitrite was added slowly below the surface over a two-hour period while the solution was being stirred. The temperature of the mixture was controlled at 26-30 during the addition, and then at room temperature for fifteen hours (overnight) and then at for three hours. The mixture was concentrated in vacuo and dissolved in 100 ml. of chloroform. The chloroform solution was Washed with Water and concentrated, and the residue refluxed in 500 ml. of thionyl chloride for two hours. The excess thionyl chloride was removed in vacuo, the residue dissolved in chloroform, and the resulting solution washed with water, dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated. The residue was distilled. B.P. 178-180/0.03 mm. Distillate was crystallized from ligroin (B.P. 65-110). Yield 57.3 g. (74% M.P. 74.5-77.5.

4 (B chloroethyl) 1,3 di isopnopyl 3 phenyl- 2-pyrrolidinone and 4 13 chloroethyl) 3 cyclohexyl- 'l isopr-opyl 3-phenyl-2-pyrr-olidinone were prepared in the manner of Example 8 from a-(l-isoprop-yl-3-pyrroli-dy1)- u-phenyl-a-isopropylacetamide and a-(1-isopropyl-3-pyrrolidyl)-ct-cyclohexyl-a-phenyl-acetamide, respectively.

Although in going from the acetonitril-e (IV) to the acid (VI) the acetarn'itle (V) is an obvious and constant intermediate, it is seldom intentionally isolated in practice. However, its isolation is sometimes of advantage, as where hydrolysis under the conditions required to produce th acetic acid (VI) are such as may cause at least partial decarboxylation of the acid with resulting low yields thereof. An example of the preparation and isolation of an a,a,a-trisubstituted acetamide follows:

Example 9.u-Cycl0pentyl-ct- (1 -i.ropr0py Z-S-pyrrolidyl) -u-phenylacetamide 'A solution of g. (0.507 mole) of u-cyclopentyl-a- (1-isopropyl-3-pyrrolidyl)-a-phenylaceton-itrile in 800 g. of 70% sulfuric acid was heated at 147 for 48 hours. The s-oiution was poured onto ice, made basic with 50% sodium hydroxide and extracted with chloroform. The chloroform extract was washed with water, dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated. The residue was distilled in vacuo. Yield 105 g. (66%); BI. 22l-2-25/ 0.20 mrn.

Analysis.--Calcd for C H N O: C, 76.38; H, 9.62; N, 8.91. Found: C, 73.77; H, 9.39; N, 9.58.

Example 10.Additi0nal amides Other representative amides, prepared and isolated in the manner of Example 9 and purified by cooling, basifying, and extracting, washing, drying and concentrating in conventional manner, are as follows:

a-Isopropyl-e-( 1-isopropyl-3- pyrrol-idyl) -ot-phenylacetamide B.P 175-180" C. at 0.05 mm. Hg pressure.

u-Cyclohexyl-a-( l-isopropyl-3-pyrrolidyl) -u-phenylacetamide, B.-P. 208-216" C. at 0.14 mm. Hg pressure.

u,u-Diphenylx-(-1-methyl-3-pyrrolidyl)-acetamide, M.P.

ct,a-Diphenyl-a-( 1-ethyl-3-pyrrolidyl) -acetamide, M.P.

a,a-Dipl1enyl-a-( 1-isopropyl-3-pyrnolidyl)-acetamide,

M.P. 141.5- .142 C.

a-( l-cyclohexyl-3-pyrrolidyl) -a,a-diphenyl-acetamide,

M.P. 119-122 C.

a- 1-ethyl-3- lyrrolidyl -ct-ph8Ilyl-0L- (Z-pyridyl) -acetamide, M.P. -161 C. i

w ("1-methyl-3 -p yrrolidyl) -a-phenyl-a- Z-pyri-dyl) -acetamide, M.P. 1150-16? C.

ot-( 1-isopropyl-3 -pyrrolidyl) -a-phenyl-a-( Z-pyridyl) -acetamide, M.P. 127.5-133 C.

u-(r1-n-butyl-3 -pyrrolidyl) -u-phe nyl a- (2-pyridy1) -ace-ta- =mide, M.P. 108-111" C.

All of the foregoing acetamides (V) may be used as isolated in the preparation of the corresponding 4-haloalkyl-Z-pyrrolidinone without purification. I

The physical constants of some representative 4- (omega-haloal-kyl)12-pyrr olidinones, made from the aceton-itr-ile (IV) via the amide (V), acid (VI) and via rearrangement of acyl halide (VII), with or without isolation of the intermediate acetamide (V) and/or acetic acid (VI), or by introduction of extraneous halogen ion into the reaction mixture at the mixed anhydride (VI1B- VIII) stage, or ,as otherwise fully disclosed hereinafter, are shown in Table II, the gamma-halopropyl compounds being made in accord with the discussion in column 29 particularly in accord with Example 29.

n at) Example 11 .-3,3-diphenyl-4-(2-hydr0xyethyl) -1-is0- propyl-Z-pyrrolzdinone Table II REPRESENTATIVE 4- (OME GA-HALOALKYL)-2-PYRROLIDINONES 1 A- -(OHR")nCHR"CHR"-X V! N R Analysis Ml. R R A X 11 (lg 5.), C H N Misc Calcd. Caled. Calcd. Calcd Found Found Found Found OFT-i 0H5 CAFE. Cl 0 140-1 72. 71 6. 42 4. 46 72. 87 6. 44 4. 48 CJH'K CQHg CFIHR Cl 0 117-9 73. 27 6. 76 4. 27 73. 50 6. 82 4. 35 CQFh 0 11, Cal-In Br 0 129-30 64. 52 5. 96 3. 76 64. 26 6. 99 3. 96 1-CaH OflHfl C 11 Cl 0 106-8 73. 77 7. 08 4. 10 73. 62 6. 79 4. 16 i-C3H C5115 CH3 Cl 0 102-4 68. 67 7. 93 5. 01 68. 84 7. 73 5. 16 1-C3H7 l-C3H CGHIS C1 0 95-6 70. 22 S. 51 4. 55 70. 19 8. 41 4. 62 i-C3H1 CsHs CisHo Cl 0 74. 5-75 71. 93 8. 45 4. 20 7'2. 15 8. 16 4. 21 i-OaH 0 H O Hs Cl 0 109-11 72. 49 8. 69 4. 03 7'2. 54 8. 68 4. 17 i-CiHn 0 113. 5-4. 5 74. 24 7. 36 3. 94 74. 37 7. 3. 98 cy-CsHn 0 151-2 75. 4'7 7. 39 3. 67 75. 7. 86 3. 82 CsH CHz 0 110 77. 05 (l. 18 3. 59 77. 28 5. 99 3. 69 i-C3H CflHfi O Hs I 0 147-149 58. 20 5. 58 58. O5 5. 37 i-C H CIA Fr! CnFl'n Cl 1 85-86. 5 74. 24 7. 36 3. 94 74. 51 7. 37 4. 03 0 H; C 11 3-pyrldyl C1 0 100-103 69. 39 6. 44 69. 31 6. 28

Side-chain Cl 0 150-153 73. 77 7. 08 4. 10 CHCH:CH: 73. 92 6. 92 4. 34 Cl 0 141-142 73. 77 7. 08 4. 10 CH:CHGH3. 73. 7. 31 4. 23

l R" equals H, except last two compounds where one It equals CH1.

As indicated in the foregoing discussion and Chart 2, the: 4-(on1ega-halo alkyl)-2-pyrrolidinones are convertible into numerous other corresponding 4-(omega-substituted alkyl)-2- pyrrolidinones. The various omega substituents are generally introduced into the 4-alkyl group of the 2-pyrrolidinone by displacement of the omega halogen with an appropriate basic residue. These reactions are generally carried out by heating an alkali metal, e.g., sodium,'salt of an alcohol, phenol, inorganic acid, or organic acid with the 1,3,3-trisubstituted-4-(omega-haloalkyl)-2-pyrrolid-inone in an appropriate solvent followed by a conventional isolation of the product.

The 4 omegaehydroxyalkyl compounds may be prepared 'by direct hydrolysis of the corresponding omega-haloalkyl compound according to conventional basic hydrolysis procedure, but yields are less than optimum and it is therefore preferred to convert the haloal'kyl compound to an acy-loxy, e.g., lower-alkanoyloxy such as 'acetoxy, compound and thereafter hydrolyze according to conventional basic hydrolysis procedure to the hydroxy group, which has the advantage of excellent yields.

The .4-( 8-hydroxyethyl) derivatives were, for example, prepared by hydrolyzing the acetates with aqueous sodium hydroxide as per the following example.

concentrated in vacuo. The residue was partitioned between chloroform and water and the chloroform layer was washed with water, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and concentratedin vacuo. The residue crystallized and was recrystallized from aqueous ethanol. Yield 22 g. (73%); M.P. ISO-182 C.

The 4-(ornega-acyloxy alkyl)-2-pyrrolidinone compounds are prepared either from the selected 4-(on1egahaloalkyl)-2-pyrrolidinone by the conventional displacement route, as with an appropriate alkali metal salt of the selected acid, e.g., a sodium alkanoate such as sodium acetate or the like, preferably in dimethylformamide solvent, according to standard procedure, as indicated by Example 12, or by the direct route involving acylation of the starting acetic acid (V1) with theappropr-iate acid enhydride to produce the mixed anhydride, in this case the acylate, and then continuing the reaction in the presence of suitable solvent, e.g., more of the acid anhydride, with heating to cause rearrangement thereof to the desired 4-(omega-acyloxyalkyl) -2-py-rrolidinone. In this case, referring to Chart 3, the symbols Y and Q are the same, both being the acylate radical. The direct acylati-on reaction via rearrangement of the acylate of the acid (V1) is illustrated by Example 13.

Example 12.4- (Z-acetoxyelhyl) -3,3-diphenyl-1-isopropyl-Z-pyrrolidinone A mixture of eighteen g. (0.22 mole) of sodium acetate and seventy g. (0.205 mole) of 4-(2-chloroethy1)-3,3-diphenyla1-isopropyl-2-pyrrolidinone in 500 ml. of dimethylformamide was stirred and refluxed for fifteen hours, partitioned between 500 ml. of water and 500 m1. of chloroform, and the layers separated. The chloroform layer was washed with water, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and concentrated in vacuo, and the residue crystallized from 85% aqueous methanol. Yield 5.4 g. (72%);

Example J3.--4- (Z-acetoxyethyl) -3,3-diphenyl-1-is0- propyZ-Z-pyrrolidinone Example l4.3,3-diphenyl-1-isopropyl-4 (Z-mercaptoethyl) -2-pyrr0lidin0ne A solution of 16.2 g. (0.176 mole) of sodium hydrogen sulfide d-ihydrate and thirty g. (0.088 mole) of 4-(2-chloroethyl)-3,3-diphenyl-1-isopropyl-2-pyrrolidinone in 400 ml. of 85 ethanol was refluxed for seven hours and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was partitioned between chloroform and water and the chloroform layer dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was distilled. Yield seventeen g. (57%); B.P. 220-230/ 0.05 mm. The distillate was crystallized from an ethanol-water mixture, M.P. 104-107.

The 4 -(omegalower-alkylmercaptoalkyl)-2-pyrrolidinones are preparable in a variety of ways. They may be prepared, for example, by alkylation of the corresponding mercaptoalkyl compound in conventional manner, as with an alkyl halide under basic conditions, as shown in Example 15. Alternatively, they may be prepared by reacting the corresponding 4-(omega-haloalkyl)-2-pyrrolidinone with a lower-alkyl mercaptan.

Preparation of the 4-(B-alkylmercaptoethyl) derivatives from the 4-(p-mercaptoethyl) derivatives by alkylation with an alkyl, e.g., methyl bromide is illustrated by the following Example 15.

Example 5.-3,3-diphenyl-1-is0pr0pyl-4-(Z-methylmercaptoezhyl) -2-pyrrolidin0ne A solution of 11.5 g. (0.12 mole) of methyl bromide in 200 ml. of absolute ethanol was added to a solution of twenty g. (0.=059 mole) of 3,3-diphenyl-1-isopropyl-4-(2- mercaptoethyl)-2-pyrrolidinone in 200 ml. of absolute ethanol in which 1.5 g. (0.065 gram atom) of sodium hadbeen dissolved. The solution was stirred at room temperature for four hours and concentrated in vacuo and the residue was partitioned between water and chloroform. The chloroform was concentrated in vacuo and the residue was crystallized from 70% ethanol. Yield 20 g. (96%); M.P. 123 425".

The 4-(omega-ether substituted)-2-pyrrolidinones, e.g., the lower-alkoxy, phenoxy, benzyloxy, and like compounds, are prepared from the corresponding 4-haloalkyl compounds by conventional replacement of the halogen atom using an alkali metal alcoholate or an alkali metal, e.g., sodium, solution of the selected alcohol, the alcohol or alcohol moiety in either case corresponding to the group desired to appear in the omega position of the 4-alkyl group. Some representative ether formations are illustrated by Examples 16 and 17.

Example 1 6 .-3,3-d iph enyl-I -z s0pr0pyl-4-( [i-methoxyethyl) -2-pyrrolidinone A solution of 34 g. (0. 1 mole) of 4-(2-chl-oroe-thyl)- 3,'3-diphenyl-1-isopropyl-2pyrrolidinone in 150 ml. of absolute methanol was added to fifty ml. of absolute methanol in which 2.5 g. (0.11 gram atom) of sodium had been dissolved. The solution was heated in a closed system for sixteen hours at 140. Addition of fifty ml. of water to the resulting mixture yielded 27.5 g. (81%) of'material which was recrystallized from a methanol-water mixture. M.P. 105--106.

3 3-diphenyl1-isobutyl-4- (fl-metho'xyethyl) '-2-pyrrolidinone was prepared in the manner of Example 16 from 4 (2 chloroethyl) 3,-3 diphenyl-l-isobutyl-2-pyrrolidinone and sodium methoxide.

Example 1 7 .3,3-dipheny l-1 -is0propyl-4- B-phenoxyethyl) -Z-pyrrolz'dinone Sodium phenoxide was formed by adding a solutionof 8.3 g. (0.088 mole) of phenol in 100 ml. of absolute ethanol to 200 ml. of absolute ethanol in which had been dissolved two g. (0.088 gram atom) of sodium metal, and thirty g. (0.088 mole) of 4-(2-chloroethyl)-3,3-diphenyl 1-isopropyl-2-pyrrolidinone in 100 ml. of absolute ethanol was added. The resulting solution was refluxed for seven hours and concentrated in vacuo and the residue was partitioned between water and chloroform. The chloroform layer was dried with anhydrous sodium sulfate and concentrated in vacuo and the residue crystallized from an ethanol water mixture. Yield 17 g. (48.5%); M.P. 104-106".

3,3-diphenyl 1 isopropyl-4-[B-(o-methoxyphenoxy)- ethyl]-2-pyrrolidinone was prepared in the manner of Example 17 from 4-(,8-chloroethyl)-3,S-diphenyl-l-isopropyl- 2-pyrrolidinone and the sodium salt of gua-iacol, and the 3 ,3 -dip henyll-iso pro pyl-4- B-b enzyloxyethyl) -2pyrrolidinone is prepared in identical manner from 4-(/3-chloroethyl)-3,3-diphenyl 1-isopropyl-Z-pyrrolidinone and sodium benzylox-ide.

The 4-alkyl derivatives, that is, those compounds in which the omega substituent is hydrogen, are prepared by reducing the corresponding 4-omega-haloalkyl compound using a metal-acid combination according to the following example, indicating a further use of some of the cornpounds of the present invention.

Example 18.--3,3-dipherzyl-4-ethyl-1-is0pr0pyl-2 pyrrolidinone A solution of .25 g. (0.073 mole) of 4-(2-chloroethyl)- 3, 3-diphenyl-1-isopropyl-2-pyrrolidinone, 25 g. of potassium bromide and sixty ml. of 48% hydrobromic acid in 250 ml. of acetic acid was stirred and refluxed for two hours followed by addition of sixty g. of zinc dust in small portions. Another sixty ml. of 48% hydrobromic acid was added dropwise over a two-hour period to the refluxing solution and it was allowed to stand overnight at room temperature and filtered. The filtrate was concentrated in vacuo and the residue was partitioned between chloroform and dilute sodium hydroxide. The chloroform layer was separated, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and concentrated, and the residue was crystallized from aqueous ethanol. Yield nine g. (40%); M.P. -97.

3,3-diph'enyl-4-ethyl-l-isobutyl 2 pyrrolidinone, M.P. 94-965, was prepared in the manner of Example 18 from the corresponding 4-(B-chloroethyl) compound.

In the manner of the preceding discussion and particularly in accord with Example 11, or by direct hydrolysis of the corresponding 4-omega-haloalkyl-2-pyrrolidinone 4-(A-acetoxy-2'-butyl) -3 ,3-dipheny1- l-isopropyl-Z- pyrrolidinone 4- -methoxybutyl -3 ,3 -diphenyl-1-isopropyl-2- pyrrolidinone 4- (v-acetoxy-fl-methylpropyl) -3,3-diphenyl-hisopropyl-Z- pyrrolidinone.

While the foregoing products are representative 4-(omega-substituted alkyl-2-pyrrolidinone compounds, produced by varying the halogen replacement reagent conventional- 1y but in accord with Examples 12 through 17, numerous others may be prepared in the same manner and will be apparent to one skilled in the art.

The physical constants of some representative 4-(omega-substituted alkyl)-2-pyrrolidinones, wherein the omega substituent is attached through an oxygen or sulfur atom, are shown in Table III.

T able III 4(OMEGA-SUBSTITUTED ALKYL)-2-PYRROLIDINONES 1 R RI! A (CHR)HCHR"CHR"B II O- 17I R R! Analysis IVLP. R R A B n (12.5.), C H N Misc Calcd. Oalcd. Oalcd. Calcd.

Found Found Found Found E!) i-CaH7 C 11 Cal-I5 Q--CCH3 0 91-4 75. 58 7. 45 3. 83 75. 75 7. 32 3. 9O l-CsH7 CuHs CeHs SH 0 104-7 74. 29 7. 42 4. 13 S, 9. 44 74. 54 7. 54 4. 23 9. 73 i-CaH1 CaHa 0 H: S-CHa 0 123-5 74. 74 7. 7O 3. 96 S, 9. O7 74. 87 7. 91 4. l5 i-cim CBH5 0.115 o-o H3 0 86.7 78. 59 8.32 3. 99

78. 58 8. 21 4. O4 PC3111 C0115 C5115 O-CHa 0 105-6 78. 3O 8. 07 4. 15 78. 1O 7. 9O 4. 17 i'C 5H7 CaHa C5115 O-GaHa 0 104-6 81. 17 7. 32 3. 51 S1. 32 7. 40 3. 53 i-CaH1 CAHK Can-K O H 0 180-2 77. 98 7. 79 4. 33 78. 7. 9O 4. 32 i-CSH, C5155 CeHs OH 1 142-143 78. 8.07 4. 15 78. 24 8. 03 4. 2O

i-C3H1 c5115---. 05H; O 0 135-7 78. 29 7. 28 3. 26

78. O3 7. 5O 3. 42 0 H3O i-OaH'r C 115 CoHu -OC O- 0 104-105 75. 67 6. 59 6. 54 75. 52 6. 51 6. 39

i-osrn can, 06m --00 0--@ 0 111-112 75.82 6.59 3.16 H0 75. 65 6. 57 3. 25

I B equals other than halogen or amino; attached through oxygen or sulfur at omega position; R equals hydrogen.

The 4-(omega-cyanoalkyl)-2-pyrrolidinones are prepared in conventional manner by reaction of the selected 4-haloalkyl-2pyrrolidinone with an alkali metal cyanide, e.g., sodium cyanide, usually by heating the reactants together in a suitable organic solvent, preferably dimethyltormamide or the like. This procedure can be applied equally well to the 4-(5-haloallryl) compounds and the 4- (v-haloalkyl) compounds, in each case to introduce the cyano group in place of the halogen atom, and thus to extend the 4-alkyl carbon chain. A representative emample of this procedure is given in Example 19. Example 19.-3,3-diphenyl-I-isopropyl-Z-pyrr0lidin0ne4- propionitrile A mixture of 342 g. (1.0 mole) of 4-chloroethyl-3,3- diphenyl-l-isopropyl-Z-pyrrolidinone and 75 g. (1.5 mole) of sodium cyanide in one liter of dimethylforma-mide was stirred and heated to a temperature of 100 over a onehour period, and this temperature was maintained for an additional three hours. The mixture was pouredinto ice water and the precipitated white crystalline solid filtered and recrystallized from isopropanol. Yield, 288 g. (87%); M.P. 150-151.

The 4-(omega-carboxyalkyl)-2-pyrrolidinones are prepared by conventional acid hydrolysis of the corresponding 4-(omega-cyanoalkyl)-2-pyrrolidinones, employing a concentrated mineral acid reagent in the same manner as previously given for hydrolysis of the nitrile (IV) to the acid (VI). A reaction period of 24 hours and a temperature not in excess of 100 degrees is usually adequate. The following Example 20 indicates the hydrolysis procedure employed.

Example 20.3,3-diplze nyl-Z-ispr0pyI-Z-pyrrolidinone- 4-propionic acid A mixture of 94 g. (0.28 mole) of 3,3-diphenylal-isopropyl-Z-pyrrolidinone-4-propionitrile and 500 ml. of

70% sulfuric acid was stirred and heated at 80-90" for 24 hours and poured into ice and water. The precipitated solid was filtered and recrystallized from a chloroformligroin mixture. Yield, 93%; Mil. 175-1768.

The 4-(omega-carbalkoxyalkyl)-2-pyrrol1d1noncs are prepared from the 4- (-omega-carboxyalkyl)-2-pyrrolrdinones by standard esterification procedure involving the acid and the selected alcohol in the presence of a suitable esterification catalyst, e.g., hydrogen chloride, sulfuric acid, cation exchange resins, or an aromatic sulfonic acid such as benzene or p-toluene sulfonic acid, preferably with removal of either the ester product or Water of reaction if optimum yields are desired. Alternatively, the acid may be reacted with a diazoalkane, e.g., diazomethane, 1n 7 excellent yield, or an alkyl halide may be reacted with an alkali metal salt of the acid, in usual manner. Alternatively, the acid may first be converted to an acid halide as by treatment with thionyl chloride or bromide, phos' phorus trichloride or tn'bromide, or the like, in the accepted manner for such type reactions, and the a-c1d chloride then reacted with a selected .alkanol or phenol or .alkali metal salts thereof to give high yields of the desired ester. Example 21 is representative of the preparation of .an acid halide of a 4-(ornega-carboxyalkyl)2-pyrrol1- dinone, and Example 22 is indicative of the esterification of a 4-(omega-carboxyalkyl)-2-pyrrolidinone toproduce a 4-(omega-carbalkoxyalkyl)-2-pyrrolidinone.

Example 21 .3,3-diphenyl-1-is0pr0pyl-2-pyrr0lidin0ne-4- propionyl chloride A suspension of 144 g. (0.41 mole) of 3,3-diphenyl-1- isopropyl-Z-pyrrolidinone-4-propion-ic acid in 500 ml. of dry benzene was treated at 20-25 dr-opwise with stirring with 97.5 grams (0.82 mole) of thionyl chloride. The resulting solution was refluxed for one hour and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was crystallized from benzene. M.P.14l.5143.5.

Example 22.-Ethyl 3,3-diphenyl-1-is0pmpyl-2 pyrrolidinonel-propionate peared not to be exothermic). The mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight and filtered. The filtrate was concentrated and the residue was partitioned between 250 ml. of chloroform and 250 ml. of water. The chloroform solution was driedjover anhydrous sodium sulfate and concentrated. The residue was crystallized. from ethanol; Yield, 23 g. MP. 8485. crystallized from 70% methanol; M.P. 8485 C.

Analysis.Calcd for C H NO C, 75.96; H, 7.70; N, 3.69. Found: C. 76.14; H, 7.85; N, 3.79.

The 4-(omega-carbamylalkyl) 2 pyrrolidinones are prepared by reaction of ammonia or an amine with a 4-(omega-carbalkoxyalkyl)-2-pyrr0lidinone or the acid halide of a 4-(omega-carboxyalkyl)-2-pyrrolidinone, preferably the latter. The reaction is usually conducted using cold concentrated ammonium hydroxide to produce the primary amide, and using a primary or second ary amine in hydrocarbon, e.g., benzene, solvent at a temperature between room temperature and the reflux temperature of the solvent involved, usually 20-80 centigrade, to produce the primary or secondary amine-containing carbamyl radicals, such as N-phenylor N-(loweralkyl)-carbamido and N,N-di- (lower-alkyl)-carbarnido, as well as N,N(monocyclic alkyl or saturated heterocyclic)- carbamyl radicals, wherein the saturated monocyclic heterocyclic radical is as set forth hereinbefore under the definition of amino. Representative of the preparation of various types of 4-(omega-carbamylalkyl)-2- pyrrolidinones are Examples 23, 24, and 25, which immediately follow.

wExample 23.-3,3 diphenyH -isopr0pyZ-Z-pyrrolidinone- 3,3 diphenyl 1 isopropyl 2 pyrrolidinone 4 propionyl chloride 54 g. (0.146m0le), was added in small portions to cold, concentrated ammonium hydroxide solution. The mixture was stirred vigorously during the addition and for an additional half hour and the resulting solid was filtered, washed with water and crystallized from a chloroform-ligroin mixture. Yield, 46 g.

Example 24.--3,3 diphenyl-I-isopropyZ-Z-pyrrolidinone- 4-(N-methylpr0pionamide) A solution of 7.75 g. (0.25 mole) of methylamine in ml. of benzene Was added dropwise with stirring to a suspension of 25 g. (0.068 mole) of 3,3-d-iphenyl-lisopropyl-2-pyrrolidinone-4-propionyl chloridein benzene. After addition, the preparation was brought slowly to re flux and reflux continued for one hour. The solvent was evaporated and the residue crystallized from methanol. Yield, 84%; MP. 171.

Example 25.-3,3 diphenyl-1-is0pr0pyl-Z-pyrrolidinone- 4- (N,N-dimethylpropionamide) 29 Example 26.3,3 diphenyl-1-is0pr0pyl-4-(B-propionylethyl)- 2 pyrrolidinone [3,3 diphenyl 1 isopropyl- Z-pyrrolidinonel-(3'-pentan0ne)] A-Grignard reagent was prepared from 10.9 grams (0.1 mole) of ethyl bromide and 2.4 grams (0.1 mole) of magnesium in 100 milliliters of dry ethyl ether. The reagent was cooled and ten grams (0.055 mole) of cadmium chloride was added and the resulting mixture was refluxed for one hour. The ether wasremoved by distillation and 200 milliliters of dry toluene was added and this mixture was heated at-ninety degrees for thirty minutes, then cooled to sixty degrees, and thirty grams (0.081 mole) of 3,3-diphenyl-1-isopropyl-2-pyrrolidinone- 4-propionyl chloride in 150 milliliters of'drytoluene was added in a dropwise fashion. The resulting mixture was stirred at 85 degrees for two hours, then cooled and hydrolyzed with water and six normal hydrochloric acid.

The toluene layer was separated, washed with dilute sodium hydroxide, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was distilled at reduced pressure. Yield, eight grams; Bl. 220-250/ 0.2 mm. The material was crystallized several-times from 60% aqueous ethanol and melted 120-1225 Analysis.-Calcd for C H NO C,79.30; H, 8.04; N, 3.85. Found: C, 79.47; H, 8.07; N, 4.06.

It will be obvious that, in the event it is desired that the carbon chain at the 4 position of the pyrrolidinone nucleus be greater than two carbon atoms, this is conveniently accomplished by starting with the appropriate two carbon atom side-chain omega-haloalkyl compound and preparing the omegamitrile in accord with the foregoing disclosure and in particular accord with Example 19. This nitrile may then be converted to the acid, also as shown in the foregoing and particularly in accord with Example 20, which in turn may be converted to the acid halide, as previously discussed and particularly in accord with Example 21, or converted to an ester as fully described hereinbefore and particularly illustrated by Example 22. Either the acid halide, e.g., chloride, or the ester may be converted to the corresponding omega-hydroxyalkyl compound by reduction, the ester with sodium and alcohol, or the acid halide with sodium borohydride, in accord with conventional procedure, as respectively illustrated by Examples 27 and 28. The 4-(omega-hydroxyalkyl) compound is then reacted with a suitable halogenating agent, e.g., thionyl chloride, phosphorus trichloride, the corresponding bromo reagents, or the like, to replace the hydroxy group by a halogen atom and pro duce the corresponding omega-haloalkyl compound in accord with Example 29. This in turn may be reacted with an alkali metal cyanide to again produce the nitrile in accord with Examples 19 and 30, in each case having a side-chain containing one carbon atom more than the starting 4-(omega-haloalkyl)-2pyrrolidinone with which the reaction sequence originates. Examples 27, 28, 29 and 30 follow.

Example 27.-3,3 diphenyl-4-(y-hydroxypropyl)-1-is0- propyl-Z-pyrrolidinone To a boiling solution of five g. (0.013 mole) of ethyl 3,3 diphenyl 1 isopropyl 2 pyrrolidinone 4 propionate in fifty ml. of absolute ethanol was added as rapidly as possible two g. (0.087 mole) of sodium. The reaction of the sodium with the alcohol was completed by heating to reflux. The unreacted ester was hydrolyzed by adding thirty ml. of water and refluxing one hour. The solvent was removed on the rotary evaporator and the residue partitioned between 100 ml. of water and 100 ml. of chloroform. The chloroform solution was dried with anhydrous sodium sulfate, concentrated and the residue 7 crystallized. Yield, 1.6 g. (36%); M.P. after recrystallization from 50% ethanol 140-141.5.

30 Analysis.Calcd for C l-i NO C, 78.30; H, 8.07; N, 4.15. Found: C, 78.24; H, 8.03; N, 4.20.

Example 28.-3,3 diphenyll-(gamma-hydroxypropyl)- 1 -is0pr0pyl-2-pyrr0lidi none To a suspension of ten g. of sodium borohydride in m1. of dry dioxane was added rapidly and with stirring 25 g. (0.0675 mole) of 3,3-diphenyl-l-isopropyl-Z-pyrrolidinone-4-propionyl chloride in 200 ml. of dry dioxan. The mixture was stirred at refiux for four hours, cooled to room temperature and 100 ml. of water added carefully. The mixture was partitioned between 500 ml. of water and 300 ml. of chloroform. The water layer was extracted with another 300 m1. of chloroform; the chloroform solution combined, dried with anhydrous sodium sulfate and concentrated on the rotary evaporator. The residue was crystallized from 70% ethanol and recrystallized twice from isopropyl ether. Yield, ten g. (44%); M.P. 142143. A mixed melting point with a sample from the previous example gave no depression.

Example 29.-4- (gamma-chloropropyl) -3,3-a'iphenyl-1- isopropyl-2pyrrolidinone A solution of 7.4 g. (0.062 mole) of thionyl chloride in fifty ml. of chloroform was added dropwise to a solution of 10.5 g. (0.031 mole) of 3,3-diphenyl-4-(gamma-hydroxypropyl)-1-isopropyl 2 pyrrolidinone and 4.9 g.

(0.062 mole) of pyridine in 100 ml. of chloroform with Example 30.3,3-diphenyl-1-is0pr0pyl-2pyrrolidinone-4 butyronitrile. [4-(3 cyan0pr0pyl)-3,3-diphenyl I isopropyl-Z-pyrrolidinone] A mixture of 3.9 grams (0.08 mole) of sodium cyanide, 9.2 grams (0.026 mole) of 4-(3-chloropropyl')-3,3-diphenyl-l-isopropyl-Z-pyrrolidinone and 100 milliliters of dimethyl formamide was stirred at reflux for seventeen hours. The mixture was filtered and the filtrate was concentrated in vacuo. The residue was crystallized twice from isopropyl alcohol. Yield, five grams (55%); M.P. 107108. A constant melting point of 126127 was obtained after several additional crystallizations.

Analysis.Calcd for C H N O: C, 79.73; H, 7.57; N, 8.09. Found: C, 79.53; H, 7.38; N, 7.95.

The resulting 4-(gamma-halopropyl)-2-pyrrolidinones and 4- (A-halobutyl) -2-pyrrolidinones are reacted with the same'reagents as shown in Examples 12 and 14 through 17 to produce the corresponding 4-(garnma-substitutedpropyl)-2-pyrrolidinones and 4-(A-substituted-butyD-Z- pyrrolidinones. Moreover, the 4-(gamma-cyanopropyl)- Z-pyrroldinones are additionally converted to further corresponding 4-(gamma-carboxypropyl)-2-pyrrolidinones, 4- (gamma-carbalkoxypropyl)-2-pyrr-olidinones, 4-(gammacarbamylpropyl)-2-pyrrolidinones, and 4-(garnma-alkanoylpropyl)-2-pyrrolidin0nes, as already fully discussed hereinbefore and illustrated by Examples 20 through 26.

Compounds produced in this manner, for example, are included in the following.

In the manner of the preceding Examples 19 through 26, starting with the appropriate nitrile, which is itself prepared by reaction of alkali metal cyanide with the cor responding 4-(omega-haloalkyl)-2-pyrrolidinone, the following compounds are prepared, the nitriles, acids, acid 351 halides, acid esters, and acid amides being prepared from the. starting materials indicated:

4-(B-carboxyethyl) -3-allyl-3-phenyl-1-isopropyl-2- pyrrrolidinone from the corresponding cyanoethyl compound by acid hydrolysis.

4-(B-carbomethoxyethy1) -3 ,3-dicyclohexyll-allyl-Z- pyrrolidinone from the corresponding fi-carboxyethyl compound by acid esterification with methanol.

4- (fl-caroethoxyethyl -3 3 -dimethyll-phenyl-2-pyrrolie dinone from the corresponding fl-carboxyethyl compound by acid esterification with ethanoh 4- (,B-carb obenzoxyethyl -3-benzyl-3pheny1-1-isopropyL Z-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding ,B-carboxyethyl compound by acid esterification with benzyl alcohol.

4 S-chlorocarbonylethyl) -3-phenyl-3-( l-isopropyl- 3-pyrrolidyl)-1-isopropyl-Q-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding B-carboxyethyl compound and thionyl chloride.

4-(fi-carboisopropoxyethyl)-3-phenyl-3-(2- or 3-thienyl)- 1-isopropyl-Z-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding 18- chlorocarbonylethyl compound and sodium isopropoxide;

4- fi-carbamylethyl) -3-pl1eny1-3- 2- or 3-thienyl) -1- isbpropyl-Z-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding fi-chlorocarbonylethyl compound and ammonia.

4-(B-N-methyl carbamylethyl)-3-phenyl-3-(p-methoxyphenyl)-1-isopropyl-Z-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding fi-chlorocarbonylethyl compound and methylamine.

4- fl-N,N-dimethyl carbamylethyl -3-phenyl-3 (mchlorophenyl)-1-isopropyl-Z-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding fi-chlorocarbonylethyl compound and dimethylamine.

4- fi-N-benzyl carbamylethyl) -3-pheny1-3- (o-methylphenyl)-1-isopropyl-2-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding fi-chlorocarbonylethyl compound and benzylamine.

4-(fi-piperidinocarbonylethyl)-3-methyl-3-cyclopentyl- 1-isopropyl-2-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding fl-chloro-carbonylethyl compound and piperidine.

4- (fi-cyanopropyl -3 ,3-dipheny1- l-isopropyls2-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding fl-chloropropyl compound and sodium cyanide.

4- fi-hexamethyl eneiminocarbonylethyl -3 ,3 -dipheny1-1- isopropyl-2-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding 3- chlorocarbonylpropyl compound and hexamethyleneimine.

4- (fi-pyrrolidinocarb onylethyl -4-methyl-3 3 -diphenyll isopropyl-Z-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding B- chlorocarbonylethyl compound and pyrrolidine.

4-( 8-cyanoethyl)-5-methy1-3,3-diphenyl-l-isopropyl-Z- pyrrolidinone from the corresponding fi-bromoethyl compound I and sodium cyanide.

4- gamma-cyanopropyl -3-phenyl-3- (2'-piperidyl 1- methyl-Z-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding gamma-chloropropyl compound and sodium cyanide.

4- (gamma-morpholinocarbonylpropyl) -3 -phenyl-3- [4'- (N-methylpiperidyl) 1-isopropyl-2-pyrrolidinone from the. corresponding gamma-chlorocarbonylpropyl compound and morpholine.

4- ,B-N-methylpiperazinocarbonylethyl -3 ,3-dipheny1- 1 rne-thyl-Z-pyrroiidinone.from the corresponding 5- chlorocarbonylethyl compound and N-methylpiperazrne.

4- S-acetylethyl -3,3-diphenyll-ethyl-Z-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding fi-chlorocarhonylethyl compound and dimethyl cadmium.

4- (v-propionyl-Z-propyl) -3 ,3-diphenyl-l-isopropyl-2 pyrrolidinone from the corresponding 'y-chlorocarbonyl-2'-propy1 compound and diethyl cadmium.

4- fl-benzoylethyl) -3 ,B-diphenyl- 1-isob uty1-2-pyrrolidinone from thecorresponding ,B-cyanoethyl compound and phenyl magnesium bromide.

4-(fl-phenylacetylethyl)-3,S-diphenyl-l-cyclohexyl-Z- pyrrolidinone from the corresponding B-chlorocarbonylethyl compound and dibenzyl cadmium.

4- fl-butyrylethyl) -3,3-diphenyll-benzyl-Z-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding p-chlorocarbonylethyl compound and dipropyl cadmium.

4- fi-carboxyethyl) -3-phenyl-3 2-pyridyl) l-b enzy1-2- pyrrolidinone from the corresponding B-cyanoethyl compound by acid hydrolysis.

4- B-bromocarb onylethyl )'-3 -phenyl-3- (2-pyridy1)-1- isobutyl-2-pyrro1idinone from the corresponding 5- carboxyethyl compound and phosphorus tribromide.

4- ({i-carbethoxyethyl -3 -phenyl-3 (Z-pyridyl) -1cyclohexyLZ-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding fi-ch1orocarbonylethyl compound and sodium ethoxide.

4- (fi-carbutoxyethyl -3 -phenyl-3 (2-pyridy1)'- l-n-butyl- 2-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding fl-chlorocarbonylethyl compound and sodium butoxide.

4-(5 N,N dimethylcarbamylethyl)-3-phenyl-3-(2-pyridyl)-1-isopropyl-Z-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding ,B-chlorocarbonylethyl compound and dimethylamine.

4-(i3-carbamylethyl) 3 phenyl3-(2-pyridyl)-1-ethyl-2- pyrrolidinone from the corresponding fi-chlorocarborb yl-ethyl compound and ammonia.

4-(B-carboisopropoxyethyl) 3 phenyl-3-(2-pyridyD-1- methyl-Z-pyrrolidinone from the, corresponding fi-chlorocarbonylethyl compound and sodium isopropoxide.

4-(,B-carboisobutoxyethyl) 3 (p-methoxyphenyl)-3-(2- pyridyl)l-methyl-Z-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding B-chlorocarbonylethyl compound and sodium isobutoxide.

4-(fl-N,N dimethylcarbamylethyl) 3 (p-methoxyphenyl)-3-(2 pyridyl)-1-ethyl-2-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding )S-chlorocarbonylethyl compound and dimethylamine.

4-(B N,N dimethylcarbamylethyl)-3-(p-methoxyphenyl)-3-(2-pyridy1)-l-isopropy1-2-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding p-chlorocarbonylethyl compound and dimethylamine.

4-(fi-N,N-dimethylcarbarnylethyl) 3-isopropyl-3-phenyll-ethyl-Z-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding B-chlorocarbonylethyl compound and dimethylamine.

4-(,B-N,N-dimethy1carbarnylethyl) 1,3 di-isopropyl-3- phenyl-Z-pyrrolidiuone from the corresponding fi-chlorocarbonylethyl compound and dimethylamine.

4-(18-N,N dimethylcarbamylethyl)-3-methyl-3-pheny1-lisopropyl-2-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding 8- chlorocarbonylethyl compound and dimethylamine.

4-(,8-N,N dimethylcarbamylethyl)3-cyclopentyl-3-phenyl-1-isopropy1-Z-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding ,B-chlorocarbonylethyl compound and dimethylamine.

4- 8-N,N dimethylcarbamylethyl -3 -cyclohexyl-3 -phen yl-1-isopropyl-2-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding B-chlorocarbonylethyl compound and dimethylamine.

4-(A-cyano 2'-butyl)-3,3-diphenyl-1-isopropyl-2-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding chloro compound and sodium cyanide.

4-(gamma-cyanobutyl)-3,3-diphenyl 1 isopropyl-Z-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding chloro compound and sodium cyanide.

4- gamma-cyano-B-methylpropyl) 3 ,B-diphenyll-isopropyl-2-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding chloro compound and sodium cyanide.

The physical constants of some representative 4-(omegasubstituted alkyl)-2-pyrrolidinones, wherein the omega substituent is attached through a carbon atom, are shown in Table IV.

Table IV 4- (OMEGA-SUlfiSTITlLIED-ALKYL) -2-P YRROLIDIN ONES 1 .A (CHR)nCHRCHR-B I! O N R Analysis M.P. R R A B n 12.5. o H' N Calcd. Calcd. Calcd. Found Found Found i-CaHz CIIHK CnHn ON 150. 5-151 79. 48 7. 28 8. 43 79. 21 7. O8 8. 27 i-CsH1- GATT! C C O OH 0 175-176 71. 18 7. 17

H /0 Ha i-CsH7 0 H; CsH C-N 0 149-150 76. 7. 99

CH3 u i-CzHr CH CBH5--.--- C-NHz 0 203. 5-205 75. 40 7. 48 75. 7. 68 i i-C'aH1 0 11's.--- CQHE C-NCH3 0 170-171 75. 79 7. 74

H 75. 66 7. 82 l? D i-C 1H7 C H5 C5115 CN 0 144-145 77. 74 8. 39 0 6 71. 54 8.20

ll l-CzHz Cal-I5 CgHs C-N 0 179. 5-180 77. 19 7. O7 7 7. 25 7. 89

l-CaH7 C G 0-0 C 0 84-85 75. 96 7. 70 3. 69 76. 14 7. 85 3. 79

i-CsH'! C G CN 1 126-127 79. 73 7. 57 8. 09 79. 53 7. 38 7. 95 ll i-CaHz CH5 CuH C-NHOrHfln)-.. 0 113. 5-114 76. 81 8. 43

76. 69 8. 28 r i-C3H C5H5 C H}; C-N O 0 157. 5-158. 5 74. 25 74. 24 if l-CaH1 C CRHR C-CJ 0 120-122. 5 79. 30 8. 04 3. 85 79. 8. 07 4. 0G

Side-chain 02E; C CHFTR CN. 0 177-180 -CHCH3CHg- B=other than amino; attached through carbon at omega position; R" equals hydrogen (except last compound where one B equals CH The 4-(omega-aminoalkyl)-2-pyrrolidin0ne compounds are generally prepared by heating a solution of the selected 4-(omega-haloalkyl)-2-pyrrolidinone and the selected amine ina suitable reaction solvent, e.g., ethanol, a higher boiling alcohol such as butanol, a hydrocarbon solvent such as toluene, or the amine itself may be the solvent in some cases. A reaction temperature from about room temperature to about 120 C. is employed, preferably lOOto 120 C., and a reaction period of about eight to twenty-four hours is usually adequate. Higher reaction temperatures increase the speed of reaction but tend to increase the incidence of undesired side reactions, While temperatures below100 C. frequently require undesirably lengthy reaction periods. Pressure to the extent generated in a sealed system is frequently employed to facilitate the reaction. The amine is usually employed in excess, at least two molar equivalents of the amine being preferred solvent or solvent mixture or alternatively isolated as an oil by fractional distillation. Extraction of the reaction product with a suitable solvent, e.g., ether, benzene, toluene, or ethyl acetate, frequently assists in recovering all of the available product for isolation by crystallization or the like and concentrated acid, e.g., two Normal HCI, or anhydrous ketones, e.g., methyl ethyl ketone, are frequently of value as the solvent or medium from which crystallization or recrystallization is effected. Where the free base is desired, this may be obtained conventionally by neutralizing the reaction product or a solution of the isolated salt with a base such as ammonia, ammonium hydroxide, sodium carbonate, or other suitable alkaline material, extracting the liberated base with a suitable solvent such'as ethyl acetate orbenzene, drying the extract and evaporating to dryness in vacuo or fractionally distilling, or in other, conventional manner. Numerous acid addition as well as quaternary ammonium (onium) salts may be prepared from the free bases, either isolated or without isolation from the reaction product, as already indicated in the foregoing. The amine preparation is illustrated by the following specific examples.

Example 31.4-(Z-dimethylaminoethyl)-3,3-diphenyl-1- ethyl-Z-pyrrolidinone hydrochloride monohydrate A solution of forty g. (0.122mole) of 4-(2-chloroethyl)-3,3-diphenyl-I-ethyl-Z-pyrrolidinone and eleven g.

(0.244 mole) of dimethylarnine in 250 ml. of absolute ethanol was heated for sixteen hours at 100 in a sealed system and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was dissolved in dilute hydrochloric acid and extracted with ethyl acetate. The acid extract was made basic with sodium hydroxide and again extracted with ethyl acetate. This ethyl acetate extract was concentrated in vacuo and the residue Was dissolved in dry methyl ethyl ketone and acidified with dry hydrogen chloride, which caused precipitation of the product. Yield 32 g. (67%); MP. 162-166.

Drying at 125 produced the anhydrous salt which, on standing at room temperature for one-half hour, reabsorbed its water of hydration.

4-(2-dimethylaminoethyl)-3,3-diphenyl-1-isobutyl 2 pyrrolidinone hydrochloride, 1-benzyl-4-(2-dimethylaminoethyl) 3,3 diphenyl 2-pyrrolidinone hydrochloride monohydrate, 3,3-diphenyl-l-ethyl-4-(2-pyrrolidinoethyl)- 2-pyrrolidinonehydrochloride monohydrate, 3,3-diphenyl- 1-isopropyl-4-(Z-methylaminoethyl) 2-pyrrolidinone hydrochloride, 3,3-diphenyl-l-isopropyli-[2-(4-methyl-1-pi perazino)-ethyl]-2-pyrrolidinone dihydrochloride dihydrate, 3,3-diphenyl-1-isopropyl-4-[2 (4-phenyl-l-piperazino ethyl] -2-pyrrolidinone monohydrochloride dihydrate, 3,3-diphenyl-1-isopropyl-4-(2-morpholinoethyl)-2- pyrrolidinone hydrochloride monohydrate, 4-[2-(2,6-dimethylmorpholino) ethyl] 3,3 diphenyl-l-isopropyl-Z- pyrrolidinone maleate, and 3,3-diphenyl-1-isopropyl 4-[2- (4 carbomethoxy-l-piperazino) -ethyl] 2-pyrrolidinone monohydrochloride dihydrate, were prepared in the manner of Example 31 from 4-(2-chloroethyl)-3,3-diphenyl-1- isobutyl-Z-pyrrolidinone and dimethylamine, 1-benzyl-4- (2-chloroethyl)-3,3-diphenyl-Z-pyrrolidinone and dimethylamine, 4-(2-chloroethyl)-3,3-diphenyl-l-ethyl-Z-pyrrolidinone and pyrrolidine, 4-(2-chloroethyl)-3,3-diphenyl-1- isopropyl-2-pyrrolidinone and methylamine, 4-(2-chloroethyl)-3,3-diphenyl-1-isopropyl-2-pyrrolidinone and N- methylpiperazine, 4-(2-chloroethyl) 3,3-diphenyl-1-isopropyl-2-pyrrolidinone and N-phenylpiperazine, 4-(2-chloroethyl)-3,3-diphenyl-1-isopropyl-Z-pyrrolidinone and morpholine, and 4-(-2-chloroethyl)-3,3-diphenyl-l-isopropyl-Z- pyrrolidinone and 2,6-dimethylmorpholine, and 4-(2-chloroethyl)-3,3-diphenyl-1-isopropyl-2-pyrrolidinone and N- carbomethoxypiperazine, respectively.

The following are additional examples of the above method:

Example 32.3,3-diphenyl-1-ethyl-4-(2-m0rph0lin0- cthyD-Z-pyrrolidinone hydrochloride monohydrate A solution of 25 g. (0.076 mole) of 4-(2-chloroethyl)- 3,3-diphenyl-1-ethy1-2pyrrolidinone and 13.3 g. (0.153 mole) of morpholine in 500 ml. of absolute ethanol was heated at 95-120 for 21 hours in a closed system and concentrated in vacuo. The residue Was dissolved in 300 m1. of two normal hydrochloric acid and extracted with 150 ml. of ethyl acetate. A solid crystallized (13 g.) during the extraction and was removed by filtration. M.P. 217- 219. The acid extracts were made basic with sodium hy- 36 droxide and extracted with ether, and the ether solution was concentrated in vacuo and the residue was suspended in six normal hydrochloric acid. Additional crystalline product formed and was recrystallized from two normal .hydrochlorioacid; Yield ten g.; M.P. 217-219". Total yield 23 g. (70% Example 33 .4- (Z-di-n-butlykzminoethyl '-3,3-diphenyl-I ethyl-Z-pyrrolidinone A solution of 25 g. (0.076 mole) of 4-(2-chloroethyl)-3, 3-diphenyl-l-ethyl-Z-pyrrolidinone and 19.8 g. (0.153 mole) of di-n-butylamine in 500 ml. of absolute ethanol was heated for 24 hours at 120 in a sealed system and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was partitioned between one normal hydrochloric acid and toluene and the oil and water layers were separated and made basic with sodium hydroxide and extracted with chloroform. The chloroform extract was concentrated in vacuo and the residue was distilled. Yield 14.7 g. (45%); B.P. 205- 210/0.05 mm.

3,3-dipheny1 1-ethy1-4-(Z-piperidinoethyl)-2-pyrrolidinone and 3-cyclopentyl-4-(Z-dimethylaminoethyl)-1-isopropyl-3-phenyl-2-pyrrolidinone were prepared in the manner of Example 33 from 4-(2-chloroethyl)-3,3-diphenyl-Z-pyrrolidinone and piperidine, and from 4-(2- chloroethyl)-3-cyclopentyl 1 isopropyl-3-phenyl-2-pyrrolidinone and dimethylamine respectively.

The amino substituent in the above compounds may be quaternizedto form the quaternary ammonium (onium) salt as illustrated by the following example.

Example 34 .--4- (Z-dimethylaminoethyl -3,3-diphenyl-1 isobutyl-2-pyrr0lidin0ne methobromz'de Ten grams (0.025 mole) of 4-(2-dimethylaminoethyl)- 3,3-diphenyl-1-isobutyl-2-pyrrolidinone hydrochloride was partitioned between chloroform and dilute ammonium hydroxide. The chloroform layer was concentrated in vacuo, the residue was dissolved in dry methyl ethyl ketone, and the resulting solution was heated to reflux. A solution of 4.75 g. (0.05 mole) of methyl bromide in methyl ethyl ketone was added to the hot solution and, on cooling, 11.5 g. of crystalline material precipitated. M.P. 214216. After. recrystallization from methyl ethyl ketone, the melting point was 218219.

Among additional amines, which are preparable in accord with the foregoing procedures, are the following:

3-cyclopentyl-l-isopropyl 4 (2 morpholinoethyl)-3- phenyl-Z-pyrrolidinone maleate, 4-(diethylaminoethyl)-3, S-diphenyl-1-isopropyl-Z-pyrrolidinone furnarate, 4-(2-dimethylarninoethyl) 1,3-di-isopropyl-3-phenyl-2-pyrrolidinone hydrochloride, 3,3 diphenyl-4-(2 hexamethyleneiminoethyl)-1-isopropyl-Z-pyrrolidinone fumarate, and 4- [2-(3,5-dimethylmorpholino) ethyl] 3,3-diphenyl-1-isopropyl-Z-pyrrolidinone maleate were preparedin the manner of Example 31 from 4-(2-chloroethyl) -3-cyclopentyl 1-isopropyl3-phenyl-2-pyrrolidinone and morpholine, 4- (2-chloroethyl) 3,3-diphenyl-1-isopropyl-Z-pyrrolidinone and diethylamine, 4-(2-chloroethyl)-1,3-di-isopropyl3- phenyl-Z-pyrrolidinone and dimethylamine, 4-(2-chloroethyl)-3,3-diphenyl-l-isopropyl-Z-pyrrolidinone and hexamethyleneimine, and 4- (2-chloroethyl) -3,3-diphenyl-l-isopropyl-Z-pyrrolidinone and 3,5-dimethylmorpholine, respectively.

The 4-(omega-aminoalkyl)-2-pyrrolidinone compounds wherein the amino substituent is primary are prepared by Example 35.'-4-(gamma-aminopropyl)-3,3-diphenyl1- ispr0pyl-2-pyrr0lidin0ne fumarate A mixture of g. (.075 mole) of 3,3-diphenyl-1-isopropyl-Z-pyrrolidinone-4-propionitrile. and two teaspoonfuls of activated Raney nickel in 300 ml. of absolute ethanol was shaken in a hydrogen atmosphere for 54 hours during which time 3100 ml. of hydrogen was absorbed. Themixture was filtered. The filtrate was concentrated in vacuo and the residue was distilled at'reduced pressure. Yield, 13 g.; B.P." 2l0-215/0.2 mm. The distillate together with five g. of fumaric acid was dissolved in 100 ml. of ethanol, and the solvent was removed on the steam bath. The residue was dissolved in 400 ml. of hot water, treated with activated charcoal and filtered. The filtrate was concentrated to about 200 ml. The resulting precitate was recrystallized from 200 m1. of water. Yield 6.5 g. (19% based on starting nitrile); M.P. 149-152 C.

Analysis.-Calcd for C H N 0 C, 69.00; H, 7.13; N, 6.18. Found: C, 69.08; H, 7.24; N, 6.19.

Other examples of the preparation of 4-(omega-morpholinoalkyl) compounds are as follows:

Example. 36 .4- [2-(3,5 -dz'methylm0rph0lino) -ethyl -3,3- diphenyl-I-isopr0pyZ-Z-pyrrolidinone maleate A solutionof g. (0.088 mole) of 4(2-chloroethyl)- 3,3-diphenyl-1-isopropyl-2-pyrrolidinone and 22 g. (0.176 mole) of 3,5-dimethylmorpholine in 400 ml. of 95% ethanol was heated in a steel bomb for seventy-two hours at 140-150; The reaction mixture was concentrated and the residue was partitioned between dilute hydrochloric acid and toluene. The aqueous layer together with an oil layer which formed was extracted with chloroform. The chloroform extract was washed with dilute sodium hydroxide and dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate, then concentrated in vacuo. The residue was distilled at reduced pressure. B.P. 225228/0.3 mm.

The base was converted to the maleate salt by treating an ethanol-ethyl ether solution with maleic acid. The resulting salt was recrystallized from an ethanol-ethyl ether mixture. Yield, 18 grams (49%); M.P. 149-150".

Analysis.--Calcd for C H N O C, 69.38; H, 7.51; N, 5.22.. Found: C, 69.40; H, 7.46; N, 5.24.

The fumarate salt was prepared in the same manner as the maleate salt. M.P. 200203.

Analysis.-Calcd for C H N O C, 69.38; H, 7.51; N, 5.22. Found: C, 69.19; H, 7.32; N, 5.01.

Example 37.--4- [2- (2,6-dimethylm0rph0lin0 -ethyl] 3,3-diphenyl-1-is0pr0pyl-2-pyrr0lidin0ne maleate A solution of thirty g. (0.088 mole) of 4-(2-chloroethyl)-3,3-diphenyl-1-isopropyl-2-pyrrolidinone and 22 g. (0.176 mole) of 2,6-dimethylrnorpholine in 300 m1. of absolute ethanol was heated in a steel bombfor sixteen hours at 120140. The solution was concentrated and the residue was dissolved in 200 ml. of chloroform and the resulting solution was washed with one normal hydrochloric acid and dilute sodium hydroxide, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and concentrated in vacuo.

The residue was distilled'at reduced pressure. Yield, 26 g.; B.P. 210-215 /0.05 mm. The base was converted to the maleate salt by treating an absolute ethanol solution with maleic acid and precipitating the resulting salt with dry ethyl ether. The salt was recrystallized from an ethanol-ether mixture. Yield, 28 g. (60%); M.P. 177178.

Analysis.-Calcd for C H N O C, 69.38; H, 7.51; N, 5.22. Found: C, 69.29; H, 7.62; N, 5.22.

In the manner of the preceding discussion and particularly in accord with Examples 31 through 35, starting with the appropriate nitrile and reducing the same either catalytically or with sodium and'alcohol, or starting with the corresponding 4 (ornega-haloalkyl)-2-pyrrolidinone and the selected amine, or starting with the appropriate pri- 3% mary or secondary amine and the selected alkyl halide, the following 4-(omega-aminoalkyl)-2-pyrrolidin0nes are produced:

4- B-diethylaminoethyl) -3-allyl-3 -phenyl- 1 -isopropyl-2- pyrrolidinone from the corresponding fi-chloroethyl compound and diethylamine 4-(fl-dimethylaminoethyl)-3,3-dicyclohexy1-1-al1yl-2-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding S-chloroethyl compound and dimethylamine 4- [13-(N'-methylpiperazino)-ethyl] 3 ,3 -dimethyl-1-phenyl-Z-nyrroiidinone from the corresponding fl-chloroethyl compound and N-methylpiperazine 4-( fl-piperidinoethyl)-3-benzyl-3-phenyl-1-isopropyl-2- pyrrolidinone from the corresponding fl-chloroethyl compound and piperidine 4- ,B-pyrrolidinoethyl) -3-phenyl-3-( 1-isopropy1-3-pyrrolidyl)-1-isopropyl-Z-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding fl-chloroethyl compound and pyrrolidine 4- fi- 2',6'-dimethylpiperidino -ethyl] -3 -phenyl-3-(2- or 3-thienyl)-1-isopropyl-2-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding 8-chloroethyl compound and 2,6-dimethylpiperidine 4- 18- 3 '-methylpiperidino -ethyl] -3-pheny1-3- (2- or 3- thenyl)-1-isopropyl-Z-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding 13-chloroethyl compound and 3-methy1piperidine 4-(fi-dirnethylaminoethyl)-3-phenyl-3-(p-methoxyphenyl)-1-isopropyl-2-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding B-chloroethyl compound and dimethylamine 4- (fi-dirnethylaminoethyl) -3-phenyl-3- (m-chloropheny1)- 1-isopropyl-2-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding fi-chloroethyl compound anddimethylamine 4- fi-dimethylaminoethyl) -3-phenyl-3 (o-methylphenyl) 1-isopropyl-Z-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding B-chloroethyl compound and dimethylamine 4- (fl-dimethylaminoethyl) -3-rnethyl-3-cyclopenty1-1-isopropyl-Z-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding fl-chloroethyl compound and dimethylamine 4- fi-dimethylaminopropyl) -3,3-diphenyl-1-isopropyl-2- pyrrolidinone from the corresponding fl-chloropropyl compound and dimethylamine 4-(B-pyrrolidinopropyl)-3,3-diphenyl-1-isopropy1-2- pyrrolidinone from the corresponding B-chloropropyl compound and pyrrolidine 4-(fi-dirnethylaminoethyl)-4-rnethyl-3,3-diphenyll-isopropyl-2-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding fi-chloroethyl compound and dimethylamine 4-(B-dimethylaminoethyl)-5.-methyl-3,3-diphenyl-l-isopropyl-2pyrrolidinone from the corresponding B-chloroethyl compound and dimethylamine 4-('y-aminopropyl)-3-phenyl-3-(2'-piperidyl)-1-methyl- 2-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding fl-cyanoethyl compound by catalytic reduction 4- (y-dimethylaminopropyl) -3-phenyl-3- [4'- (N-methylpiperidyl) ]-1-isopropyl-Z-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding -bromopropyl compound and dimethylamine 4-(B-methylaminoethyl)-3,3-diphenyl-1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding fl-aminoethyl compound and methyl chloride 4-(fl-methylethylaminoethyl)-3,3-diphenyl-bethyl-2-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding B-methylaminocthyl compound and ethyl chloride 4-( -dimethylamino-2-propyl)-3,3-diphenyl-l-isopropyl- 2-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding 'y-chloro-2- propyl compound and dimethylamine 4- fl methylaminoethyl) -3 ,3 -dipl1enyll-isobutyl-Z-pyrrolidinone from'the corresponding B-chloroethyl compound and methylamine 4-( fl-dirnethylaminoethyl)-3,3-dipheny1-1-cyclohexyl-2-' pyrrolidinone from the corresponding B-chloroethyl compound and dimethylamine 4-(fl-dimethylaminoethyl)-3,3diphenyl-l-benzyl-Z-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding B-chloroethyl compound and dimethylamine 4- (fi-dimethylaminoethyl) -3-phenyl-3-(2-pyridyl) -1- benzyl-Z-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding B-chloroethyl compound and dimethylamine 4- B-diallylarninoethyl) -3 -phenyl-3- (2-pyridyl) -1-isobutyl-Z-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding B-chloroethyl compound and diallylamine 4- fi-hydroxyethylaminoethyl) -3-phenyl-3 (Z-pyridyl 1-cyclohexyLZ-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding B-chloroethyl compound and ethanolarnine 4- B-bis- ,8-hydroxyethylamino -ethyl] -3 -phcnyl-3 2- pyridyl)-l-n-butyl-2-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding B-chloroethyl compound and diethanolamine 4-(18-allylaminoethyD-3 -phenyl-3 (Z-pyridyl) l -isopropyl-2-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding ,B-chloroethyl compound and allylarnine 4-(fi-pheny1aminoethyl) -3 -phenyl-3-(2-pyridyl) -1- ethy1-2-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding fl-chloroethyl compound and aniline 4- (B-dipropylamino ethyl) -3-phenyl-3- (2-pyridyl) l-methyl-Z-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding B-chloroethyl compound and dipropylamine 4- [t3- (N-methylphenylamino -ethyl] -3 (p-methoxyphenyl) -3 Z-pyridyl) l-methyl-Q-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding B-chloroethyl compound and N-methylaniline 4-(B-dimethylaminoethyl)-3-(p-methoxypheny1)-3- (Z-pyridyl)-1-ethyl-2-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding B-chloroethyl compound and dimethylamine 4- (fi-dimethylaminoethyl -3- (p-methoxyphenyl -3- (2-pyridyl)-1-isopropyl-2-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding ,B-chloroethyl compound and dimethylarnine 4- (fi-methylaminoethyl)-3-isopropyl-3-phenyl-l-ethyl- 2-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding B-chloroethyl compound and methylamine 4-(fl-dimethylaminoethyl)-1,S-di isopropyl-S-' phenyl-Z-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding B-chloroethyl compound and dimethylamine 4- fi-dimethylaminoethyl) -3 -methyl-3 -phenyl-1- isopropyl-Z-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding fi-chloroethyl compound and dimethylamine 4- fl-benzylaminoethyl) -3 -cyclopentyl-3 -phenyl-1- isopropyl-Zpyrrolidinone from the corresponding fl-chloroethyl compound and benzylamine 4- (B-dimethylaminoethyl -3-cyclohexyl-3-phenyl- 1-isopropyl-Z-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding fi-chloroethyl compound and dimethylamine 4- A-dimethylamino-2butyl -3,3-diphenyl-l-isopropyl- 2-pyrro1idinone from the corresponding chloro compound and dimethylarnine 4('y-dimethylaminobuty1)-3,3-diphenyl-l-isopropyl- Z-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding chloro compound and dimethylamine 4- ('y-dimethylamino-fl-methylpropyl) -3 ,3-dipheny1- l-isopropyl-Z-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding chloro compound and dimethylamine These compounds are all preferably isolated in the form of their hydrochloride, hydrobromide, maleate, fum'arate, citrate, or methobromide salts.

The physical constants of some representative 4-(0rnegaamino-alkyl)-2-pyrrolidinones are shown in Table V.

In the manner of the preceding discussion and especially in accord with Examples 32, 36 and 37, starting with the selected morpholine or thiomorpholine and the corresponding 4-(omega-haloalkyl)-2-pyrrolidinones, or starting with the corresponding primary amine and the selected bis (haloethyDether or bis(haloethyl)thioether, the following 4-(omega-morpholinoalkyl)-2-pyrrolidinones are prepared:

4- fl- 2'-methylmorpholino) -ethy1] -3-allyl-3-pheny1- 1-isopropyl-Z-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding t fi-chloroethyl compound and Z-methylmorpholine 4-[{3-('2',6'-dimethylmorpholino)-ethyl]-3,3-dicyclohexyl-l-allyl-Z-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding ,B-chloroethyl compound and 2,6-dimethylmorpholine 4- [fi- (2'-methoxymorpholino -ethyl]-3,3-dimethyl- 1-phenyl-2-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding 5- chloroethyl compound and 2-methoxymorpholine 4-(fl-morpholinoethyl)-3-benzyl-3-phenyl-l-isopropyl- 2-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding S-chloroethyl compound and morpholine 4-(fi-morpholinoethyl)-3-phenyl-3-(1-isopropy1-3- pyrrolidyl)-1-isopropyl-2-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding ,B-chloroethyl compound and morpholine 4-( 8-morpholinoethyl)-3-phenyl-3-(2- or 3-thienyl)- 1-isopropyl-2-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding B-chloroethyl compound and morpholine 4-(fl-morpholinoethyl) -3-phenyl-3-(2- or 3-thenyl)- 1-isopropyl-2-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding fi-chloroethyl compound and morpholine 4- (fi-morpholinoethyl -3 -phenyl-3- p-methoxyphenyl) 1-isopropyl-Z-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding [3-chloroethyl compound and morpholine 4- (fi-morpholinoethyl) -3-phenyl-3- (m-chlorophenyl) l-isopropyl-Z-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding ,B-chloroethyl compound and morpholine 4- fi-morpholinoethyl) -3 -pheny1-3- (o-methylphenyl) 1-isopropyl-2-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding fl-chloroethyl compound and morpholine 4- [it-morpholinoethyl) -3-methyl-3-cyclopentyl-1- isopropyl-Z-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding B-chloroethyl compound and morpholine 4-( s-morpholinopropyl)-3,3-diphenyl-1-isopropyl-2- pyrrolidinone fromthe corresponding fi-chloropropyl compound and morpholine 4- fi-thiomorpholinopropyl) -3 ,S-diphenyll-isopropyl- Z-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding p-chloropropyl compound andthiomorpholine 4-(fl-morpholinoethyl)-4-methyl-3,3-diphenyl-1- isopropyl-2-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding B-chloroethyl compound and morpholine 4- ,B-morpholinoethyl) -5 methyl-3 ,3 'diphenyl- 1- isopropyl-Z-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding p-iodoethyl compound and morpholine 4- gamma- (2',6-dimethylmorpholiuo -propyl] -3- phenyl-3-(2-piperidyl)-l-rnethyl-2-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding y-chloropropyl compound and 2,6-dimethylmorpholine 4- gamma- 3 ,5 -dirnethylmorpholino) -propyl] -3 phenyl-3- [4'- (N methylpiperidyl) -1-isopropyl- Z-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding 'y-chloropropyl compound and 3,5-dirnethylmorpholine 4- (fi-rnorpholinoethyl -3 ,3 -diphenyl-1-methyle2- pyrrolidinone from the correspondingfi-aminoethyl compound and bis-(fl-chloroethyhether 4-(B-thiomorpholinoethyl)-3,3-diphenyl-l-ethyl-2- pyrrolidinone from the corresponding B-aminoethyl compound and bis-(,e-chloroethyhthioether 4-('y-morpholino-2 propyl)-3,3-diphenyl-1-isopropyl- 2-pyrrolidinone.frorn the corresponding 'y-ChlOI0-Z'- propyl compound and morpholine 4- (fl-morpholinoethyl -3,3-diphenyll-isobutyl-Z- pyrrolidinone from the corresponding ,B-bromoethyl compound and morpholine 4- ,B-morpholinoethyl) -3 3-diphenyl-1-cyclohexyl- Z-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding ,B-chloroethyl compound and morpholine 4-(fl-morpholinoethyD-3,S-diphenyl-I-benZyLZT pyrrolidinone from the corresponding fi-chloroethyl compound and morpholine 4- fi-morpholinoeihyDj-S -phenyl-3- (2-pyridy1 -lbenzyl-Z-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding fl-chloroethyl compound and morpholine 4- (,B-morpholinoethyl -3-phenyl-3- (2-pyridyl) -1- isobutyl-Z-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding ,B-chloroethyl compound and morpholine 4-(fi-morpholinoethyl)-3-phenyl-3-(2-pyridyl)-1- cyclohexyl-Z-pyrrolidinone from the corresponding ,B-chloroethyl compound and morpholine 

9. A COMPOUND SELECTED FROM THE GROUP CONSISTING OF 4 - (OMEGA-SUBSTITUTED ALKYL) -2-PYRROLIDINONES AND -2THIONPYRROLIDINONES OF THE FORMULA: 